UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
———————————
FORM 10-Q

x
 
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 

For the Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 2012

OR

 
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from _______________ to _______________
 

Commission File Number 000-30707

First Northern Community Bancorp
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

California
68-0450397
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

195 N. First Street, Dixon, California
95620
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)


707-678-3041
(Registrant’s telephone number including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes   x
No   ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes   x
No   r

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).   See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer    ¨
Accelerated filer   ¨
Non-accelerated filer   ¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
  Smaller reporting company x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes   ¨
No   x

The number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of August 9, 2012 was 9,248,449.

 
1

 

FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP
 
INDEX
 
 
Page
PART I – Financial Information
 
ITEM I. – Financial Statements (Unaudited)
3
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
3
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
4
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
5
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity (Unaudited)
6
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
7
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
8
ITEM 2. – MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
36
ITEM 3. – QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
54
ITEM 4. – CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
54
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
54
ITEM 1. – LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
54
ITEM 1A. – RISK FACTORS
54
ITEM 2. – UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
55
ITEM 3. – DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
55
ITEM 4. – MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
55
ITEM 5. – OTHER INFORMATION
55
ITEM 6. – EXHIBITS
56
SIGNATURES
57

 
2

 


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP
 
  ITEM I.    – FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
 

   
June 30,
   
December 31,
 
( in thousands, except shares and share amounts)
 
2012
   
2011
 
   
(unaudited)
       
Assets
           
             
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 117,802     $ 140,172  
Investment securities – available-for-sale
    183,330       160,241  
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses of $9,784 at June 30, 2012
               
   and $10,408 at December 31, 2011
    437,941       432,789  
Loans held-for-sale
    3,220       2,832  
Stock in Federal Home Loan Bank and other equity securities, at cost
    3,607       3,075  
Premises and equipment, net
    8,029       8,054  
Other real estate owned
          1,325  
Interest receivable and other assets
    31,121       32,662  
                 
                 Total Assets
  $ 785,050     $ 781,150  
                 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
               
                 
Liabilities:
               
                 
         Demand deposits
  $ 206,153     $ 201,865  
         Interest-bearing transaction deposits
    167,510       160,956  
         Savings and MMDA's
    214,953       209,853  
         Time, under $100,000
    37,517       38,395  
         Time, $100,000 and over
    61,049       67,889  
                 Total deposits
    687,182       678,958  
                 
         Federal Home Loan Bank advances and other borrowings
          7,000  
         Interest payable and other liabilities
    7,536       7,490  
                 
                 Total Liabilities
    694,718       693,448  
                 
Stockholders' Equity:
               
         Preferred stock, no par value; $1,000 per share liquidation preference,
               
22,847 shares authorized; 22,847 issued and outstanding at
               
June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011
    22,847       22,847  
        Common stock, no par value; 16,000,000 shares authorized;
               
            9,248,449 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2012 and
               
            9,144,998 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2011
    63,261       62,751  
        Additional paid in capital
    977       977  
        Retained earnings
    2,138       864  
        Accumulated other comprehensive income, net
    1,109       263  
                 Total Stockholders’ Equity
    90,332       87,702  
                 
                 Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
  $ 785,050     $ 781,150  

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
3

 
 
FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP
 
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
 

   
Three months
   
Three months
   
Six months
   
Six months
 
   
ended
   
ended
   
ended
   
ended
 
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
June 30,
2012
   
June 30,
2011
   
June
30, 2012
   
June 30,
2011
 
Interest and dividend income:
                       
     Loans
  $ 6,044     $ 6,346     $ 12,034     $ 12,603  
     Due from banks interest bearing accounts
    95       91       174       176  
     Investment securities
                               
          Taxable
    798       688       1,578       1,258  
          Non-taxable
    103       108       207       219  
     Other earning assets
    8       4       12       4  
               Total interest and dividend income
    7,048       7,237       14,005       14,260  
Interest expense:
                               
     Deposits
    438       554       930       1,125  
     Other borrowings
    69       91       141       181  
               Total interest expense
    507       645       1,071       1,306  
Net interest income
    6,541       6,592       12,934       12,954  
Provision for  loan losses
    676       1,490       1,226       2,480  
 Net interest income after provision
    for loan losses
    5,865       5,102       11,708       10,474  
Other operating income:
                               
     Service charges on deposit accounts
    673       720       1,326       1,413  
     Gains on sales of other real estate owned
    17       19       17       215  
     Gains on sales of loans held-for-sale
    505       131       900       268  
     Investment and brokerage services income
    282       295       503       540  
     Mortgage brokerage income
    16       15       46       27  
     Loan servicing income
    142       53       284       388  
     Fiduciary activities income
    121       89       228       186  
     ATM fees
    129       123       258       224  
     Signature based transaction fees
    266       234       514       444  
     Gains on calls/sales of available-for-sale
       securities
          456       1       456  
     Other income
    190       231       389       392  
               Total other operating income
    2,341       2,366       4,466       4,553  
Other operating expenses:
                               
     Salaries and employee benefits
    3,877       3,561       7,724       7,334  
     Occupancy and equipment
    748       809       1,484       1,632  
     Data processing
    435       400       820       784  
     Stationery and supplies
    91       88       171       163  
     Advertising
    94       148       204       285  
     Directors’ fees
    55       60       110       124  
     Other real estate owned expense and impairment
    38       308       60       514  
     Other expense
    1,188       1,162       2,445       2,384  
               Total other operating expenses
    6,526       6,536       13,018       13,220  
               Income before income tax expense
    1,680       932       3,156       1,807  
Income tax expense
    473       137       857       246  
                                 
               Net  income
  $ 1,207     $ 795     $ 2,299     $ 1,561  
                                 
Preferred stock dividends and accretion
  $ (286 )   $ (251 )   $ (571 )   $ (500 )
Net  income available to common shareholders
  $ 921     $ 544     $ 1,728     $ 1,061  
                                 
Basic income per share 
  $ 0.10     $ 0.06     $ 0.19     $ 0.12  
Diluted income per share
  $ 0.10     $ 0.06     $ 0.19     $ 0.12  

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
4

 

FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP
 
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)
 


   
Three months
   
Three months
   
Six months
   
Six months
 
   
ended
   
ended
   
ended
   
ended
 
(in thousands)
 
June 30,
2012
   
June 30,
2011
   
June 30,
2012
   
June 30,
2011
 
Net income
  $ 1,207     $ 795     $ 2,299     $ 1,561  
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
                               
Unrealized holding gains on securities:
                               
Unrealized holding gains arising during the period, net of tax effect of $175 and $685 for the three-month periods ended June 30, 2012 and June 30, 2011, respectively, and $566 and $711 for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 and June 30, 2011, respectively
    260       1,027       847       1,067  
Less: reclassification adjustment due to gains realized on sales of securities, net of tax effect of $0 and $182 for the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 and June 30, 2011, respectively
          (274 )     (1 )     (274 )
Other comprehensive income
  $ 260     $ 753     $ 846       793  
                                 
Comprehensive income
  $ 1,467     $ 1,548     $ 3,145     $ 2,354  

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
5

 
 

FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP
 
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
 

(in thousands, except share data)
 
   
                                       
Accumulated
       
                           
Additional
         
Other
       
   
Preferred Stock
   
Common Stock
   
Paid-in
   
Retained
   
Comprehensive
       
   
Shares
   
Amounts
   
Shares
   
Amounts
   
Capital
   
Earnings
   
Income
   
Total
 
                                                 
Balance at December 31, 2011
    22,847     $ 22,847       9,144,998     $ 62,751     $ 977     $ 864     $ 263     $ 87,702  
                                                                 
Net income
                                            2,299               2,299  
                                                                 
Other comprehensive income
                                                    846       846  
                                                                 
1% stock dividend
                    91,052       451               (451 )              
Dividend on preferred stock
                                            (571 )             (571 )
Cash in lieu of fractional shares
                                            (3 )             (3 )
Stock-based compensation and related tax benefits
                            59                               59  
Common shares issued related to restricted stock grants
                    12,399                                        
                                                                 
Balance at June 30, 2012
    22,847     $ 22,847       9,248,449     $ 63,261     $ 977     $ 2,138     $ 1,109     $ 90,332  

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
6

 
 

FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP
 
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
 

   
(in thousands)
 
   
Six months ended June 30, 2012
   
Six months ended June 30, 2011
 
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
           
          Net Income
  $ 2,299     $ 1,561  
          Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by 
               
       operating activities:
               
 Depreciation
    347       363  
 Valuation adjustment on mortgage servicing rights
    59       (175 )
 Provision for loan losses
    1,226       2,480  
 Stock plan accruals
    59       84  
 Gains on calls/sales of available-for-sale securities
    (1 )     (456 )
 Gains on sales of other real estate owned
    (17 )     (215 )
 Impairment on other real estate owned
    15       312  
 Gains on sales of loans held-for-sale
    (900 )     (268 )
 Proceeds from sales of loans held-for-sale
    38,504       13,818  
 Originations of loans held-for-sale
    (37,992 )     (11,883 )
          Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
 Decrease (increase) in interest receivable and other assets
    918       (2,351 )
 Increase (decrease) in interest payable and other liabilities
    46       (66 )
                    Net cash provided by operating activities
    4,563       3,204  
                 
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
               
          Net increase in investment securities
    (21,678 )     (25,706 )
          Net (increase) decrease in loans
    (6,671 )     6,600  
          Net increase in stock in Federal Home Loan Bank and other equity securities, at cost
    (532 )     (252 )
          Proceeds from the sale of other real estate owned
    1,620       2,436  
          Purchases of premises and equipment, net
    (322 )     (414 )
                    Net cash used in investing activities
    (27,583 )     (17,336 )
                 
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
               
          Net increase in deposits
    8,224       10,171  
          Net decrease in FHLB advances and other borrowings
    (7,000 )     (2,329 )
          Cash dividends paid in lieu of fractional shares
    (3 )      
          Cash dividends paid on preferred stock
    (571 )     (435 )
                    Net cash provided by financing activities
    650       7,407  
   
               
Net decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents
    (22,370 )     (6,725 )
Cash and Cash Equivalents , beginning of period
    140,172       139,707  
Cash and Cash Equivalents,  end of period
  $ 117,802     $ 132,982  
                 
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:
               
Cash paid during the period for:
               
Interest
  $ 1,098     $ 1,324  
Income Taxes
  $ 879     $ 1,065  
                 
Supplemental disclosures of non-cash investing and financing activities:
               
Preferred stock accretion
  $     $ 65  
Stock dividend distributed
  $ 451     $  
   Transfer of loans held-for-investment to other real estate owned
  $ 293     $ 1,533  
   Unrealized holding gains on available for sale securities, net of taxes
  $ 846     $ 793  

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
7

 


FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP
 
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
June 30, 2012 and 2011 and December 31, 2011
 

1.
BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of First Northern Community Bancorp (the “Company”) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Articles 9 and 10 of Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.  The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results expected for the full year.  These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP also requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expense during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements:

In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2011-04.  This update represents the converged guidance of the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board (the Boards) on fair value measurement.  The collective efforts of the Boards and their staffs have resulted in common requirements for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements, including a consistent meaning of the term “fair value.”  The amendments in this ASU are to be applied prospectively and are effective during interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011.  Adoption of the new guidance did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In June 2011, FASB issued ASU 2011-05.  This update allows an entity the option to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements.  In both choices, an entity is required to present each component of net income along with total net income, each component of other comprehensive income along with a total for other comprehensive income, and a total amount for comprehensive income.  This update eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity.  The amendments in this ASU are to be applied retrospectively and are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. Adoption of the new guidance did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.  In December 2011, FASB issued ASU 2011-12.  This update defers the effective date for amendments to the presentation of reclassifications of items out of accumulated other comprehensive income in ASU 2011-05.

In December 2011, FASB issued ASU 2011-11.  The amendments in this ASU require an entity to disclose information about offsetting and related arrangements to enable users of its financial statements to understand the effect of those arrangements on its financial position.  The amendments in this ASU are required for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and interim periods within those annual periods.  The disclosures required by those amendments should be provided retrospectively for all comparative periods presented.  The Company does not expect the adoption of this update to have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.

 
8

 
 
Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior period balances in order to conform to the current year presentation.


 
9

 
2.           LOANS

The composition of the Company’s loan portfolio, by loan class, is as follows:
 

 
($ in thousands)
 
June 30,
2012
   
December 31,
2011
 
             
Commercial
  $ 95,106     $ 91,914  
Commercial Real Estate
    186,180       175,793  
Agriculture
    45,632       52,064  
Residential Mortgage
    50,912       51,586  
Residential Construction
    7,731       7,492  
Consumer
    61,491       64,150  
                 
      447,052       442,999  
Allowance for loan losses
    (9,784 )     (10,408 )
Net deferred origination fees and costs
    673       198  
                 
Loans, net
  $ 437,941     $ 432,789  


The Company manages asset quality and credit risk by maintaining diversification in its loan portfolio and through review processes that include analysis of credit requests and ongoing examination of outstanding loans and delinquencies, with particular attention to portfolio dynamics and loan mix.  The Company strives to identify loans experiencing difficulty early enough to correct the problems, to record charge-offs promptly based on realistic assessments of collectability and current collateral values and to maintain an adequate allowance for loan losses at all times.   Asset quality reviews of loans and other non-performing assets are administered using credit risk rating standards and criteria similar to those employed by state and federal banking regulatory agencies.
 
 
Residential mortgage loans, which are secured by real estate, are primarily susceptible to four risks; non-payment due to diminished or lost income, over-extension of credit, a lack of borrower’s cash flow to sustain payments, and shortfalls in collateral value.  In general, non-payment is usually due to loss of employment and follows general economic trends in the economy, particularly the upward movement in the unemployment rate, loss of collateral value, and demand shifts.

Commercial real estate loans generally fall into two categories, owner-occupied and non-owner occupied.  Loans secured by owner occupied real estate are primarily susceptible to changes in the market conditions of the related business.  This may be driven by, among other things, industry changes, geographic business changes, changes in the individual financial capacity of the business owner, general economic conditions and changes in business cycles. These same risks apply to commercial loans whether secured by equipment, receivables or other personal property or unsecured.  Losses on loans secured by owner occupied real estate, equipment, or other personal property generally are dictated by the value of underlying collateral at the time of default and liquidation of the collateral.  When default is driven by issues related specifically to the business owner, collateral values tend to provide better repayment support and may result in little or no loss. Alternatively, when default is driven by more general economic conditions, underlying collateral generally has devalued more and results in larger losses due to default.  Loans secured by non-owner occupied real estate are primarily susceptible to risks associated with swings in occupancy or vacancy and related shifts in lease rates, rental rates or room rates. Most often, these shifts are a result of changes in general economic or market conditions or overbuilding and resulting over-supply of space.  Losses are dependent on the value of underlying collateral at the time of default.  Values are generally driven by these same factors and influenced by interest rates and required rates of return as well as changes in occupancy costs.  Collateral values may be determined by appraisals obtained through Bank approved, licensed appraisers, qualified independent third parties, sales invoices, or other appropriate means.  Collateral valuations are obtained at origination of the credit and periodically thereafter (generally every 3 – 6 months depending on the collateral type), once repayment is questionable, and the loan has been deemed classified.

Construction loans, whether owner occupied or non-owner occupied residential development loans, are not only susceptible to the related risks described above but the added risks of construction, including cost over-runs, mismanagement of the project, or lack of demand and market changes experienced at time of completion.  Losses are primarily related to underlying collateral value and changes therein as described above.  Problem construction loans are generally identified by periodic review of financial information that may include financial statements, tax returns and payment history of the borrower.  Based on this information the Company may decide to take any of several courses of action including demand for repayment, requiring the borrower to provide a significant principal payment and/or additional collateral or requiring similar support from guarantors, or repossession or foreclosure of the underlying collateral.  Collateral values may be determined by appraisals obtained through Bank approved, licensed appraisers, qualified independent third parties, purchase invoices, or other appropriate documentation.  Collateral valuations are obtained at origination of the credit and periodically thereafter (generally every 3 – 6 months depending on the collateral type), once repayment is questionable, and the loan has been deemed classified.

 
10

 
Agricultural loans, whether secured or unsecured, generally are made to producers and processors of crops and livestock.  Repayment is primarily from the sale of an agricultural product or service.  Agricultural loans are generally secured by inventory, receivables, equipment, and other real property.  Agricultural loans primarily are susceptible to changes in market demand for specific commodities.  This may be exacerbated by, among other things, industry changes, changes in the individual financial capacity of the business owner, general economic conditions and changes in business cycles, as well as adverse weather conditions.  Problem agricultural loans are generally identified by periodic review of financial information that may include financial statements, tax returns, crop budgets, payment history, and crop inspections.  Based on this information, the Company may decide to take any of several courses of action including demand for repayment, requiring the borrower to provide a significant principal payment and/or additional collateral or requiring similar support from guarantors. Notwithstanding, when repayment becomes unlikely based on the borrower’s income and cash flow, repossession or foreclosure of the underlying collateral may become necessary.  Collateral values may be determined by appraisals obtained through Bank approved, licensed appraisers, qualified independent third parties, purchase invoices, or other appropriate documentation.  Collateral valuations are obtained at origination of the credit and periodically thereafter (generally every 3 – 6 months depending on the collateral type), once repayment is questionable, and the loan has been deemed classified.

Commercial loans, whether secured or unsecured, generally are made to support the short-term operations and other needs of small businesses.  These loans are generally secured by the receivables, equipment, and other real property of the business and are susceptible to the related risks described above.  Problem commercial loans are generally identified by periodic review of financial information that may include financial statements, tax returns, and payment history of the borrower.  Based on this information, the Company may decide to take any of several courses of action including demand for repayment, requiring the borrower to provide a significant principal payment and/or additional collateral or requiring similar support from guarantors. Notwithstanding, when repayment becomes unlikely based on the borrower’s income and cash flow, repossession or foreclosure of the underlying collateral may become necessary.  Collateral values may be determined by appraisals obtained through Bank approved, licensed appraisers, qualified independent third parties, purchase invoices, or other appropriate documentation.  Collateral valuations are obtained at origination of the credit and periodically thereafter (generally every 3 – 6 months depending on the collateral type), once repayment is questionable, and the loan has been deemed classified.

Consumer loans, whether unsecured or secured are primarily susceptible to four risks; non-payment due to diminished or lost income, over-extension of credit, a lack of borrower’s cash flow to sustain payments, and shortfall in collateral value.  In general, non-payment is usually due to loss of employment and will follow general economic trends in the economy, particularly the upward movements in the unemployment rate, loss of collateral value, and demand shifts.

As of June 30, 2012, approximately 42% in principal amount of the Company’s loans were secured by commercial real estate, which consists of construction and land development loans and real estate loans.  Approximately 11% of the Company’s loans were residential mortgage loans.  Approximately 2% of the Company’s loans were residential construction loans.  Approximately 10% of the Company’s loans were for agriculture and 21% of the Company’s loans were for general commercial uses including professional, retail and small businesses.  Approximately 14% of the Company’s loans were consumer loans.

Once a loan becomes delinquent and repayment becomes questionable, a Company collection officer will address collateral shortfalls with the borrower and attempt to obtain additional collateral or a principal payment.  If this is not forthcoming and payment in full is unlikely, the Company will estimate its probable loss, using a recent valuation as appropriate to the underlying collateral less estimated costs of sale, and charge-off the loan down to the estimated net realizable amount.  Depending on the length of time until final collection, the Company may periodically revalue the underlying collateral and take additional charge-offs as warranted. Revaluations may occur as often as every 3-12 months depending on the underlying collateral and volatility of values.  Final charge-offs or recoveries are taken when collateral is liquidated and actual loss is known.  Unpaid balances on loans after or during collection and liquidation may also be pursued through legal action and attachment of wages or judgment liens on the borrower's other assets.

 
11

 
All loans at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were pledged under a blanket collateral lien to secure actual and potential borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve.

Non-accrual and Past Due Loans

The Company’s non-accrual loans by loan class, as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were as follows:


 
($ in thousands)
 
June 30,
2012
   
December 31,
2011
 
             
Commercial
  $ 3,042     $ 2,905  
Commercial Real Estate
    4,057       3,071  
Agriculture
    899       992  
Residential Mortgage
    1,006       1,334  
Residential Construction
    42       48  
Consumer
    236       360  
                 
    $ 9,282     $ 8,710  


Non-accrual loans amounted to $9,282,000 at June 30, 2012 and were comprised of four residential mortgage loans totaling $1,006,000, one residential construction loans totaling $42,000, eight commercial real estate loans totaling $4,057,000, one agricultural loan totaling $899,000, eleven commercial loans totaling $3,042,000 and five consumer loans totaling $236,000.  Non-accrual loans amounted to $8,710,000 at December 31, 2011 and were comprised of four residential mortgage loans totaling $1,334,000, one residential construction loan totaling $48,000, six commercial real estate loans totaling $3,071,000, one agricultural loan totaling $992,000, twelve commercial loans totaling $2,905,000 and five consumer loans totaling $360,000.  It is generally the Company’s policy to charge-off the portion of any non-accrual loan that the Company does not expect to collect by writing the loan down to the estimated net realizable value of the underlying collateral.

 
12

 
 
An age analysis of past due loans, segregated by loan class, as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 is as follows:
 

 
($ in thousands)
 
30-59 Days Past Due
   
60-89 Days Past Due
   
90 Days or more Past Due
   
Total Past Due
   
Current
   
Total Loans
 
June 30, 2012
                                   
Commercial
  $ 187     $     $ 2,809     $ 2,996     $ 92,110     $ 95,106  
Commercial Real Estate
    192             3,865       4,057       182,123       186,180  
Agriculture
    9             899       908       44,724       45,632  
Residential Mortgage
    1,237       543       129       1,909       49,003       50,912  
Residential Construction
    41             42       83       7,648       7,731  
Consumer
    100             157       257       61,234       61,491  
    Total
  $ 1,766     $ 543     $ 7,901     $ 10,210     $ 436,842     $ 447,052  
                                                 
December 31, 2011
                                               
Commercial
  $ 1,051     $ 166     $ 113     $ 1,330     $ 90,584     $ 91,914  
Commercial Real Estate
          2,746       446       3,192       172,601       175,793  
Agriculture
                991       991       51,073       52,064  
Residential Mortgage
    792       420       426       1,638       49,948       51,586  
Residential Construction
    273             48       321       7,171       7,492  
Consumer
    20       212       225       457       63,693       64,150  
    Total
  $ 2,136     $ 3,544     $ 2,249     $ 7,929     $ 435,070     $ 442,999  

 
The Company had no loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.
 
 
13

 
Impaired Loans
 
Impaired loans, segregated by loan class, as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were as follows:
 

 
($ in thousands)
 
Unpaid Contractual Principal Balance
   
Recorded Investment with no Allowance
   
Recorded Investment with Allowance
   
Total Recorded Investment
   
Related Allowance
 
June 30, 2012
                             
Commercial
  $ 4,094     $ 2,982     $ 840     $ 3,822     $ 151  
Commercial Real Estate
    5,991       4,057       1,181       5,238       16  
Agriculture
    1,721       1,379             1,379        
Residential Mortgage
    4,227       1,006       2,981       3,987       1,148  
Residential Construction
    1,288       42       1,085       1,127       573  
Consumer
    1,287       274       798       1,072       138  
    Total
  $ 18,608     $ 9,740     $ 6,885     $ 16,625     $ 2,026  
                                         
                                         
December 31, 2011
                                       
Commercial
  $ 4,694     $ 2,919     $ 569     $ 3,488     $ 101  
Commercial Real Estate
    4,856       3,071       1,198       4,269       22  
Agriculture
    3,847       3,598             3,598        
Residential Mortgage
    5,336       1,875       3,194       5,069       731  
Residential Construction
    1,147       48       1,099       1,147       668  
Consumer
    985       309       346       655       126  
    Total
  $ 20,865     $ 11,820     $ 6,406     $ 18,226     $ 1,648  

 
Interest income on impaired loans recognized using a cash-basis method of accounting during the three-month periods ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 was as follows:
 

 
($ in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended
June 30, 2012
   
Three Months Ended
June 30, 2011
 
   
Average Recorded Investment
   
Interest Income Recognized
   
Average Recorded Investment
   
Interest Income Recognized
 
Commercial
  $ 3,831     $ 10     $ 3,248     $ 23  
Commercial Real Estate
    4,954       23       9,587       244  
Agriculture
    1,475       9       1,988        
Residential Mortgage
    3,761       31       6,072       40  
Residential Construction
    1,210       14       1,692       24  
Consumer
    1,007       9       361       1  
    Total
  $ 16,238     $ 96     $ 22,948     $ 332  

 
 
14

 
Interest income on impaired loans recognized using a cash-basis method of accounting during the six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 was as follows:
 

 
($ in thousands)
 
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2012
   
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2011
 
   
Average Recorded Investment
   
Interest Income Recognized
   
Average Recorded Investment
   
Interest Income Recognized
 
Commercial
  $ 3,657     $ 21     $ 3,163     $ 40  
Commercial Real Estate
    5,434       45       8,754       300  
Agriculture
    1,706       35       2,037       5  
Residential Mortgage
    4,438       60       6,059       88  
Residential Construction
    1,251       26       1,669       40  
Consumer
    815       16       339       4  
    Total
  $ 17,301     $ 203     $ 22,021     $ 477  

 
Troubled Debt Restructurings
 
The Company’s loan portfolio includes certain loans that have been modified in a Troubled Debt Restructuring (“TDR”), which are loans on which concessions in terms have been granted because of the borrowers’ financial difficulties.  These concessions typically result from the Company’s loss mitigation activities and could include reductions in the interest rate, payment extensions, forgiveness of principal, forbearance, or other actions.  Certain TDRs are placed on non-accrual status at the time of restructure and may only be returned to accruing status after considering the borrower’s sustained repayment performance for a reasonable period, generally six months.
 
When a loan is modified, it is measured based upon the present value of future cash flows discounted at the contractual interest rate of the original loan agreement, or the fair value of collateral less selling costs if the loan is collateral dependent.  If the value of the modified loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan, impairment is recognized through a specific allowance or a charge-off of the loan.
 
The Company had $7,096,000 and $9,410,000 in TDR loans as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.  Specific reserves for TDR loans totaled $1,848,000 and $1,596,000 as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.  TDR loans performing in compliance with modified terms totaled $4,769,000 and $7,471,000 as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.
 
 
15

 
 
Loans modified as troubled debt restructurings during the three-month periods ended June 30, 2012 and June 30, 2011 were as follows:
 
($ in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2012
 
   
Number of Contracts
   
Pre-modification outstanding recorded investment
   
Post-modification outstanding recorded investment
 
Commercial
    2     $ 141     $ 141  
Consumer
    2       279       279  
    Total
    4     $ 420     $ 420  

 
($ in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2011
 
   
Number of Contracts
   
Pre-modification outstanding recorded investment
   
Post-modification outstanding recorded investment
 
Residential Construction
    1     $ 86     $ 27  
    Total
    1     $ 86     $ 27  

 
Loans modified as troubled debt restructurings during the six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 and June 30, 2011 were as follows:
 
($ in thousands)
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2012
 
   
Number of Contracts
   
Pre-modification outstanding recorded investment
   
Post-modification outstanding recorded investment
 
Commercial
    4     $ 361     $ 361  
Consumer
    4       430       430  
    Total
    8     $ 791     $ 791  

 
($ in thousands)
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2011
 
   
Number of Contracts
   
Pre-modification outstanding recorded investment
   
Post-modification outstanding recorded investment
 
Commercial
    1     $ 48     $ 48  
Residential Mortgage
    1       404       404  
Residential Construction
    2       221       162  
    Total
    4     $ 673     $ 614  

 
The loan modifications generally involved reductions in the interest rate, payment extensions, forgiveness of principal, and forbearance.  There were no loans modified as a troubled debt restructuring within the previous 12 months and for which there was a payment default during the three-month periods ended June 30, 2012 and June 30, 2011.  There was one commercial loan with a recorded investment of $136,000 that was modified as a troubled debt restructuring within the previous 12 months and for which there was a payment default during the six-month period ended June 30, 2012.  There was one consumer loan with a recorded investment of $25,000 that was modified as a troubled debt restructuring within the previous 12 months and for which there was a payment default during the six-month period ended June 30, 2011.
 
 
16

 
 
Credit Quality Indicators
 
All new loans are rated using the credit risk ratings and criteria adopted by the Company.  Risk ratings are adjusted as future circumstances warrant.  All credits risk rated 1, 2, 3 or 4 equate to a Pass as indicated by Federal and State regulatory agencies; a 5 equates to a Special Mention; a 6 equates to Substandard; a 7 equates to Doubtful; and 8 equates to a Loss.  General definitions for each risk rating are as follows:
 
Risk Rating “1” – Pass (High Quality):   This category is reserved for loans fully secured by Company CD’s or savings and properly margined (as defined in the Company’s Credit Policy) and actively traded securities (including stocks, as well as corporate, municipal and U.S. Government bonds).
 
Risk Rating “2” – Pass (Above Average Quality):   This category is reserved for borrowers with strong balance sheets that are well structured with manageable levels of debt and good liquidity.  Cash flow is sufficient to service all debt as agreed.  Historical earnings, cash flow, and payment performance have all been strong and trends are positive and consistent.  Collateral protection is better than the Company’s Credit Policy guidelines.
 
Risk Rating “3” – Pass (Average Quality):   Credits within this category are considered to be of average, but acceptable, quality.  Loan characteristics, including term and collateral advance rates, meet the Company’s Credit Policy guidelines; unsecured lines to borrowers with above average liquidity and cash flow may be considered for this category; the borrower’s financial strength is well documented, with adequate, but consistent, cash flow to meet all obligations.  Liquidity should be sufficient and leverage should be moderate. Monitoring of collateral may be required, including a borrowing base or construction budget.  Alternative financing is typically available.
 
Risk Rating “4” – Pass (Below Average Quality):   Credits within this category are considered sound, but merit additional attention due to industry concentrations within the borrower’s customer base, problems within their industry, deteriorating financial or earnings trends, declining collateral values, increased frequency of past due payments and/or overdrafts, discovery of documentation deficiencies which may impair our borrower’s ability to repay, or the Company’s ability to liquidate collateral.  Financial performance is average but inconsistent.  There also may be changes of ownership, management or professional advisors, which could be detrimental to the borrower’s future performance.
 
Risk Rating “5” – Special Mention (Criticized):   Loans in this category are currently protected by their collateral value and have no loss potential identified, but have potential weaknesses which may, if not monitored or corrected, weaken our ability to collect payments from the borrower or satisfactorily liquidate our collateral position.  Loans where terms have been modified due to their failure to perform as agreed may be included in this category.  Adverse trends in the borrower’s operation, such as reporting losses or inadequate cash flow, increasing and unsatisfactory leverage, or an adverse change in economic or market conditions may have weakened the borrower’s business and impaired their ability to repay based on original terms.  The condition or value of the collateral has deteriorated to the point where adequate protection for our loan may be jeopardized in the future. Loans in this category are in transition and, generally, do not remain in this category beyond 12 months.  During this time, efforts are focused on strategies aimed at upgrading the credit or locating alternative financing.
 
Risk Rating “6” – Substandard (Classified):   Loans in this category are inadequately protected by the borrower’s net worth, capacity to repay or collateral pledged, if any.  Loans so classified have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the repayment of the debt.  There exists a strong possibility of loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.  Loans that are dependent on the liquidation of collateral to repay are included in this category, as well as borrowers in bankruptcy or where legal action is required to effect collection of our debt.
 
Risk Rating “7” – Doubtful (Classified):   Loans in this category indicate all of the weaknesses of a Substandard classification, however, collection of loan principal, in full, is highly questionable and improbable; possibility of loss is very high, but there is still a possibility that certain collection strategies may, yet, be successful, rendering a definitive loss difficult to estimate, at the time.  Loans in this category are in transition and, generally, do not remain in this category more than 6 months.
 
Risk Rating “8” – Loss (Classified):
 
Active Charge-Off.   Loans in this category are considered uncollectible and of such little value that their removal from the Company’s books is required.  The charge-off is pending or already processed.  Collateral positions have been or are in the process of being liquidated and the borrower/guarantor may or may not be cooperative in repayment of the debt.  Recovery prospects are unknown at the time, but we are still actively engaged in the collection of the loan.
 
 
17

 
Inactive Charge-Off.   Loans in this category are considered uncollectible and of such little value that their removal from the Company’s books is required.  The charge-off is pending or already processed.  Collateral positions have been liquidated and the borrower/guarantor has nothing of any value remaining to apply to the repayment of our loan.  Any further collection activities would be of little value.
 

 
The following table presents the risk ratings by loan class as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.
 
($ in thousands)
 
Pass
   
Special Mention
   
Substandard
   
Doubtful
   
Loss
   
Total
 
June 30, 2012
                                   
Commercial
  $ 85,002     $ 3,427     $ 6,677     $     $     $ 95,106  
Commercial Real Estate
    160,817       12,010       13,353                   186,180  
Agriculture
    43,039       1,214       1,379                   45,632  
Residential Mortgage
    41,924       1,936       7,052                   50,912  
Residential Construction
    5,613       385       1,733                   7,731  
Consumer
    54,721       3,156       3,540       74             61,491  
    Total
  $ 391,116     $ 22,128     $ 33,734     $ 74     $     $ 447,052  
                                                 
December 31, 2011
                                               
Commercial
  $ 71,229     $ 8,444     $ 11,804     $ 437     $     $ 91,914  
Commercial Real Estate
    148,317       16,492       10,984                   175,793  
Agriculture
    48,330             3,734                   52,064  
Residential Mortgage
    42,845       1,830       6,911                   51,586  
Residential Construction
    5,140       927       1,425                   7,492  
Consumer
    58,239       2,824       3,087                   64,150  
    Total
  $ 374,100     $ 30,517     $ 37,945     $ 437     $     $ 442,999  


 
18

 
 
Allowance for Loan Losses

The following table details activity in the allowance for loan losses by loan class for the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012.

Three-month period ended June 30, 2012
 
($ in thousands)
 
Commercial
   
Commercial Real Estate
   
Agriculture
   
Residential Mortgage
   
Residential Construction
   
Consumer
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
Balance as of March 31, 2012
  $ 3,582     $ 1,715     $ 1,167     $ 1,194     $ 1,125     $ 1,340     $ 234     $ 10,357  
Provision for loan losses
    (294 )     689       73       422       (253 )     110       (71 )     676  
                                                                 
Charge-offs
    (537 )     (342 )     (115 )           (161 )     (370 )           (1,525 )
Recoveries
    31             1             223       21             276  
Net charge-offs
    (506 )     (342 )     (114 )           62       (349 )           (1,249 )
Balance as of June 30, 2012
    2,782       2,062       1,126       1,616       934       1,101       163       9,784  


Six-month period ended June 30, 2012
 
($ in thousands)
 
Commercial
   
Commercial Real Estate
   
Agriculture
   
Residential Mortgage
   
Residential Construction
   
Consumer
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
Balance as of December 31, 2011
  $ 3,598     $ 1,747     $ 1,934     $ 1,135     $ 1,198     $ 796     $     $ 10,408  
Provision for loan losses
    26       657       (696 )     512       (327 )     891       163       1,226  
                                                                 
Charge-offs
    (1,079 )     (342 )     (115 )     (31 )     (161 )     (634 )           (2,362 )
Recoveries
    237             3             224       48             512  
Net charge-offs
    (842 )     (342 )     (112 )     (31 )     63       (586 )           (1,850 )
Balance as of June 30, 2012
    2,782       2,062       1,126       1,616       934       1,101       163       9,784  


The following table details the allowance for loan losses allocated to loans individually and collectively evaluated for impairment by loan class as of June 30, 2012.

($ in thousands)
 
Commercial
   
Commercial Real Estate
   
Agriculture
   
Residential Mortgage
   
Residential Construction
   
Consumer
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
Period-end amount allocated to:
                                               
Loans individually evaluated for impairment
    151       16             1,148       573       138             2,026  
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment
    2,631       2,046       1,126       468       361       963       163       7,758  
Ending Balance
  $ 2,782     $ 2,062     $ 1,126     $ 1,616     $ 934     $ 1,101     $ 163     $ 9,784  


 
19

 

The following table details activity in the allowance for loan losses by loan class for the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2011.

Three-month period ended June 30, 2011
 
($ in thousands)
 
Commercial
   
Commercial Real Estate
   
Agriculture
   
Residential Mortgage
   
Residential Construction
   
Consumer
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
Balance as of March 31, 2011
  $ 3,403     $ 2,870     $ 2,120     $ 1,030     $ 1,401     $ 689     $ 199     $ 11,712  
Provision for loan losses
    681       15       639       83       (16 )     9       79       1,490  
                                                                 
Charge-offs
    (458 )     (1,406 )     (320 )     (173 )     (198 )     (228 )           (2,783 )
Recoveries
    3       147       116       10       51       38             365  
Net charge-offs
    (455 )     (1,259 )     (204 )     (163 )     (147 )     (190 )           (2,418 )
Balance as of June 30, 2011
    3,629       1,626       2,555       950       1,238       508       278       10,784  

Six-month period ended June 30, 2011
 
($ in thousands)
 
Commercial
   
Commercial Real Estate
   
Agriculture
   
Residential Mortgage
   
Residential Construction
   
Consumer
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
Balance as of December 31, 2010
  $ 3,761     $ 1,957     $ 2,141     $ 830     $ 1,719     $ 556     $ 75     $ 11,039  
Provision for loan losses
    482       935       618       300       (334 )     276       203       2,480  
                                                                 
Charge-offs
    (636 )     (1,413 )     (320 )     (191 )     (198 )     (448 )           (3,206 )
Recoveries
    22       147       116       11       51       124             471  
Net charge-offs
    (614 )     (1,266 )     (204 )     (180 )     (147 )     (324 )           (2,735 )
Balance as of June 30, 2011
    3,629       1,626       2,555       950       1,238       508       278       10,784  

The following table details the allowance for loan losses allocated to loans individually and collectively evaluated for impairment by loan class as of June 30, 2011.

($ in thousands)
 
Commercial
   
Commercial Real Estate
   
Agriculture
   
Residential Mortgage
   
Residential Construction
   
Consumer
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
Period-end amount allocated to:
                                               
Loans individually evaluated for impairment
    277       221             622       606       2             1,728  
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment
    3,352       1,405       2,555       328       632       506       278       9,056  
Ending Balance
  $ 3,629     $ 1,626     $ 2,555     $ 950     $ 1,238     $ 508     $ 278     $ 10,784  


 
20

 
 
The following table details activity in the allowance for loan losses and the amount allocated to loans individually and collectively evaluated for impairment as of and for the period ended December 31, 2011.


($ in thousands)
 
Commercial
   
Commercial Real Estate
   
Agriculture
   
Residential Mortgage
   
Residential Construction
   
Consumer
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
Balance as of December 31, 2010
  $ 3,761     $ 1,957     $ 2,141     $ 830     $ 1,719     $ 556     $ 75     $ 11,039  
Provision for loan losses
    2,033       1,502       511       566       (395 )     996       (75 )     5,138  
                                                                 
Charge-offs
    (2,381 )     (2,000 )     (860 )     (272 )     (197 )     (932 )           (6,642 )
Recoveries
    185       288       142       11       71       176             873  
Net charge-offs
    (2,196 )     (1,712 )     (718 )     (261 )     (126 )     (756 )           (5,769 )
Balance as of December 31, 2011
    3,598       1,747       1,934       1,135       1,198       796             10,408  
Period-end amount allocated to:
                                                               
Loans individually evaluated for impairment
    101       22             731       668       126             1,648  
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment
    3,497       1,725       1,934       404       530       670             8,760  
Ending Balance
  $ 3,598     $ 1,747     $ 1,934     $ 1,135     $ 1,198     $ 796     $     $ 10,408  


The Company’s investment in loans as of June 30, 2012, June 30, 2011, and December 31, 2011 related to each balance in the allowance for loan losses by loan class and disaggregated on the basis of the Company’s impairment methodology was as follows:


($ in thousands)
 
Commercial
   
Commercial Real Estate
   
Agriculture
   
Residential Mortgage
   
Residential Construction
   
Consumer
   
Total
 
June 30, 2012
 
Loans individually evaluated for impairment
  $ 3,822     $ 5,238     $ 1,379     $ 3,987     $ 1,127     $ 1,072     $ 16,625  
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment
    91,284       180,942       44,253       46,925       6,604       60,419       430,427  
Ending Balance
  $ 95,106     $ 186,180     $ 45,632     $ 50,912     $ 7,731     $ 61,491     $ 447,052  
                                                         
June 30, 2011
 
Loans individually evaluated for impairment
  $ 3,760     $ 12,202     $ 1,843     $ 5,751     $ 1,396     $ 301     $ 25,253  
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment
    77,628       169,798       50,121       45,688       6,535       67,108       416,878  
Ending Balance
  $ 81,388     $ 182,000     $ 51,964     $ 51,439     $ 7,931     $ 67,409     $ 442,131  
                                                         
December 31, 2011
 
Loans individually evaluated for impairment
  $ 3,488     $ 4,269     $ 3,598     $ 5,069     $ 1,147     $ 655     $ 18,226  
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment
    88,426       171,524       48,466       46,517       6,345       63,495       424,773  
Ending Balance
  $ 91,914     $ 175,793     $ 52,064     $ 51,586     $ 7,492     $ 64,150     $ 442,999  
 
 
21

 
3.           MORTGAGE OPERATIONS

Transfers and servicing of financial assets and extinguishments of liabilities are accounted for and reported based on consistent application of a financial-components approach that focuses on control.  Transfers of financial assets that are sales are distinguished from transfers that are secured borrowings.  Retained interests (mortgage servicing rights) in loans sold are measured by allocating the previous carrying amount of the transferred assets between the loans sold and retained interests, if any, based on their relative fair value at the date of transfer.  Fair values are estimated using discounted cash flows based on a current market interest rate.

The Company recognizes a gain and a related asset for the fair value of the rights to service loans for others when loans are sold.  The Company sold substantially its entire portfolio of conforming long-term residential mortgage loans originated during the six months ended June 30, 2012 for cash proceeds equal to the fair value of the loans.

The recorded value of mortgage servicing rights is included in other assets, and is amortized in proportion to, and over the period of, estimated net servicing revenues.  The Company assesses capitalized mortgage servicing rights for impairment based upon the fair value of those rights at each reporting date. For purposes of measuring impairment, the rights are stratified based upon the product type, term and interest rates.  Fair value is determined by discounting estimated net future cash flows from mortgage servicing activities using discount rates that approximate current market rates and estimated prepayment rates, among other assumptions.  The amount of impairment recognized, if any, is the amount by which the capitalized mortgage servicing rights for a stratum exceeds their fair value.  Impairment, if any, is recognized through a valuation allowance for each individual stratum.

At June 30, 2012, the Company had $3,220,000 of mortgage loans held-for-sale.  At June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company serviced real estate mortgage loans for others of $221,588,000 and $211,535,000, respectively.

The following table summarizes the Company’s mortgage servicing rights assets as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

   
(in thousands)
 
   
December 31, 2011
   
Additions
   
Reductions
   
June 30, 2012
 
                         
Mortgage servicing rights
  $ 1,636     $ 312     $ 241     $ 1,707  
Valuation allowance
    (347 )     (59 )           (406 )
Mortgage servicing rights, net of valuation allowance
  $ 1,289     $ 253     $ 241     $ 1,301  
                                 
 
 
22

 

4.           OUTSTANDING SHARES AND EARNINGS PER SHARE

On January 26, 2012, the Board of Directors of the Company declared a 1% stock dividend payable as of March 30, 2012.  All income per share amounts have been adjusted to give retroactive effect to stock dividends.

Earnings Per Share (EPS)

Basic EPS includes no dilution and is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period.  Diluted EPS includes all common stock equivalents (“in-the-money” stock options, unvested restricted stock, stock units, warrants and rights, convertible bonds and preferred stock), which reflects the potential dilution of securities that could share in the earnings of an entity.


The following table presents a reconciliation of basic and diluted EPS for the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 and 2011.

   
Three months ended
   
Six months ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Basic earnings per share:
                       
Net income
  $ 1,207     $ 795     $ 2,299     $ 1,561  
Preferred stock dividend and accretion
  $ (286 )   $ (251 )   $ (571 )   $ (500 )
Net income available to common shareholders
  $ 921     $ 544     $ 1,728     $ 1,061  
                                 
Weighted average common shares outstanding
    9,201,668       9,161,336       9,197,489       9,154,757  
Basic EPS
  $ 0.10     $ 0.06     $ 0.19     $ 0.12  
                                 
Diluted earnings per share:
                               
Net income
  $ 1,207     $ 795     $ 2,299     $ 1,561  
Preferred stock dividend and accretion
  $ (286 )   $ (251 )   $ (571 )   $ (500 )
Net income available to common shareholders
  $ 921     $ 544     $ 1,728     $ 1,061  
                                 
Weighted average common shares outstanding
    9,201,668       9,161,336       9,197,489       9,154,757  
                                 
Effect of dilutive shares
    24,000       1,141       25,213       1,756  
                                 
Adjusted weighted average common shares outstanding
    9,225,668       9,162,477       9,222,702       9,156,513  
Diluted EPS
  $ 0.10     $ 0.06     $ 0.19     $ 0.12  

Stock options which were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because they would have had an anti-dilutive effect amounted to 349,809 shares and 399,230 shares for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Stock options which were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because they would have had an anti-dilutive effect amounted to 346,380 shares and 407,045 shares for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  There were no non-vested shares of restricted stock not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because they would have an anti-dilutive effect for the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012.  Non-vested shares of restricted stock not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because they would have an anti-dilutive effect amounted to 45,570 shares for the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2011.  In addition, warrants for 352,977 shares issued to the U.S. Treasury were not used in the computation of diluted earnings per share for the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2011 because they would have had an anti-dilutive effect.

 
23

 
5.      STOCK PLANS

On January 26, 2012, the Board of Directors of the Company declared a 1% stock dividend payable as of March 30, 2012.  All options outstanding and restricted stock outstanding have been adjusted to give retroactive effect to stock dividends.

 
The following table presents the activity related to stock options for the three months ended June 30, 2012.

   
Number of Shares
   
Weighted Average Exercise Price
   
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
   
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)
 
Options outstanding at Beginning of  Period
    375,563     $ 11.94              
                             
   Granted
                       
                             
   Expired
                       
                             
   Cancelled / Forfeited
                       
                             
   Exercised
                       
                             
Options outstanding at End of Period
    375,563     $ 11.94     $ 77,107       3.38  
                                 
Exercisable (vested) at End of Period
    339,313     $ 12.71     $ 29,659       2.80  


 
The following table presents the activity related to stock options for the six months ended June 30, 2012.

   
Number of Shares
   
Weighted Average Exercise Price
   
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
   
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)
 
Options outstanding at Beginning of  Period
    421,697     $ 11.65              
                             
   Granted
    14,975     $ 5.00              
                             
   Expired
    (61,109 )   $ 8.24              
                             
   Cancelled / Forfeited
                       
                             
   Exercised
                       
                             
Options outstanding at End of Period
    375,563     $ 11.94     $ 77,107       3.38  
                                 
Exercisable (vested) at End of Period
    339,313     $ 12.71     $ 29,659       2.80  


The weighted average fair value of options granted during the six-month period ended June 30, 2012 was $2.40 per share.

As of June 30, 2012, there was $70,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options.  This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.86 years.

There was $14,000 of recognized compensation cost related to stock options for the six months ended June 30, 2012.
 
24

 
 
A summary of the weighted average assumptions used in valuing stock options during the three months and six months ended June 30, 2012 is presented below.

 
Three Months Ended
 
Six months Ended
June 30, 2012*
June 30, 2012
 Risk Free Interest Rate
 
2.37%
       
 Expected Dividend Yield
 
0.00%
       
 Expected Life in Years
 
5
       
 Expected Price Volatility
 
53.06%
     * There were no stock options or restricted stock granted during the three-month period ended June 30, 2012.

 
 

The following table presents the activity related to restricted stock for the three months ended June 30, 2012.

   
Number of Shares
   
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
 
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term            (in years)
Restricted stock outstanding at Beginning of  Period
    46,781     $ 4.62      
                     
   Granted
               
                     
   Cancelled / Forfeited
               
                     
   Exercised/Released/Vested
               
                     
Restricted stock outstanding at End of Period
    46,781     $ 4.62  
$280,686
  8.35
                     
 
 
The following table presents the activity related to restricted stock for the six months ended June 30, 2012.

   
Number of Shares
   
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
 
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term            (in years)
Restricted stock outstanding at Beginning of  Period
    46,013     $ 7.16      
                     
   Granted
    13,193     $ 5.00      
                     
   Cancelled / Forfeited
    (529 )   $ 9.79      
                     
   Exercised/Released/Vested
    (11,896 )   $ 14.64      
                     
Restricted stock outstanding at End of Period
    46,781     $ 4.62  
$280,686
  8.35
 
 
The weighted average fair value of restricted stock granted during the six-month period ended June 30, 2012 was $5.00 per share.

 
25

 
As of June 30, 2012, there was $130,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested restricted stock.  This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.87 years.

There was $31,000 of recognized compensation cost related to restricted stock awards for the six months ended June 30, 2012.

The Company has an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”).  Under the ESPP, the Company is authorized to issue to eligible employees shares of common stock.  There are 295,057 (adjusted for the 2012 stock dividend) shares authorized under the ESPP.  The ESPP will terminate February 27, 2017.  The ESPP is implemented by participation periods of not more than twenty-seven months each.  The Board of Directors determines the commencement date and duration of each participation period.  The Board of Directors approved the current participation period of November 24, 2011 to November 23, 2012.  An eligible employee is one who has been continually employed for at least 90 days prior to commencement of a participation period. Under the terms of the ESPP, employees can choose to have up to 10 percent of their compensation withheld to purchase the Company’s common stock each participation period.  The purchase price of the stock is 85 percent of the lower of the fair market value on the last trading day before the date of participation or the fair market value on the last trading day during the participation period.
 
 
As of June 30, 2012, there was $14,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to ESPP issuances.  This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 0.50 years.

There was $14,000 of recognized compensation cost related to ESPP issuances for the six-month period ended June 30, 2012.

The weighted average fair value at issuances date during the six-month period ended June 30, 2012 was $0.99.

A summary of the weighted average assumptions used in valuing ESPP issuances during the three months and six months ended June 30, 2012 is presented below.
 

 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30, 2012
June 30, 2012
 
 Risk Free Interest Rate
   0.10%
 
   0.10%
 
         
 Expected Dividend Yield
   0.00%
 
   0.00%
 
         
 Expected Life in Years
1.00
 
1.00
 
         
 Expected Price Volatility
20.00%
 
20.00%
 

 
 
26

 
6.      FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT
 
The Company utilizes fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures.  Securities available-for-sale and trading securities are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis.  Additionally, from time to time, the Company may be required to record at fair value other assets on a non-recurring basis, such as loans held-for-sale, loans held-for-investment and certain other assets.  These non-recurring fair value adjustments typically involve application of lower of cost or market accounting or write-downs of individual assets.  Transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy are recognized on the actual date of the event or circumstances that caused the transfer, which generally corresponds with the Company’s quarterly valuation process.

Fair Value Hierarchy
The Company groups assets and liabilities at fair value in three levels, based on the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value.  These levels are:

 
Level 1 
 
Valuation is based upon quoted prices for identical instruments traded in active markets.
       
 
Level 2 
 
Valuation is based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
       
 
Level 3 
 
Valuation is generated from model-based techniques that use at least one significant assumption not observable in the market.  These unobservable assumptions reflect estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.  Valuation techniques include use of option pricing models, discounted cash flow models, and similar techniques and include management judgment and estimation which may be significant.
          
Following is a description of valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities recorded at fair value.

Investment Securities Available-for-Sale
 
Investment securities available-for-sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis.  Fair value measurement is based upon quoted market prices, if available.  If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are measured using independent pricing models or other model-based valuation techniques such as the present value of future cash flows, adjusted for the security’s credit rating, prepayment assumptions, and other factors such as credit loss assumptions.  Level 1 securities include those traded on an active exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange, U.S. Treasury securities that are traded by dealers or brokers in active over-the-counter markets and money market funds.  Level 2 securities include mortgage-backed securities issued by government sponsored entities, municipal bonds and corporate debt securities.  Securities classified as Level 3 include asset-backed securities in less liquid markets.

Loans Held-for-Sale

Loans held-for-sale are carried at the lower of cost or fair value.  The fair value of loans held-for-sale is based on what secondary markets are currently offering for portfolios with similar characteristics.  As such, the Company classifies loans subjected to non-recurring fair value adjustments as Level 2.  At June 30, 2012 there were no loans held-for-sale that required a write-down.

Impaired Loans

The Company does not record loans at fair value on a recurring basis.  However, from time to time, a loan is considered impaired and an allowance for loan losses is established.  Loans for which it is probable that payment of interest and principal will not be made in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement are considered impaired.  Once a loan is identified as individually impaired, the Company measures impairment.  The fair value of impaired loans is estimated using one of several methods, including collateral value, market value of similar debt, enterprise value, liquidation value and discounted cash flows.  Those impaired loans not requiring an allowance represent loans for which the fair value of the expected repayments or collateral exceed the recorded investments in such loans.

 
27

 
At June 30, 2012, certain impaired loans were considered collateral dependent and were evaluated based on the fair value of the underlying collateral securing the loan.  Impaired loans where an allowance is established based on the fair value of collateral require classification in the fair value hierarchy.  When a loan is evaluated based on the fair value of the underlying collateral securing the loan, the Company records the impaired loan as non-recurring Level 3.

Other Real Estate Owned

Other real estate assets (“OREO”) acquired through, or in lieu of, foreclosure are held-for-sale and are initially recorded at the lower of cost or fair value, less selling costs.  Any write-downs to fair value at the time of transfer to OREO are charged to the allowance for loan losses, subsequent to foreclosure. Appraisals or evaluations are then done periodically thereafter charging any additional write-downs or valuation allowances to the appropriate expense accounts.  Values are derived from appraisals of underlying collateral and discounted cash flow analysis.  OREO is classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy.

Loan Servicing Rights

Loan servicing rights are subject to impairment testing.  The Company utilizes a third party service provider to calculate the fair value of the Company’s loan servicing rights.  Loan servicing rights are measured at fair value as of the date of sale.  The Company uses quoted market prices when available.  Subsequent fair value measurements are determined using a discounted cash flow model.  In order to determine the fair value of the loan servicing rights, the present value of expected future cash flows is estimated.  Assumptions used include market discount rates, anticipated prepayment speeds, delinquency and foreclosure rates, and ancillary fee income.  This model is periodically validated by an independent external model validation group.  The model assumptions and the loan servicing rights fair value estimates are also compared to observable trades of similar portfolios as well as to loan servicing rights broker valuations and industry surveys, as available.  If the valuation model reflects a value less than the carrying value, loan servicing rights are adjusted to fair value through a valuation allowance as determined by the model.  As such, the Company classifies loan servicing rights subjected to non-recurring fair value adjustments as Level 3.

Assets Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The table below presents the recorded amount of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2012.
   
(in thousands)
 
June 30, 2012
 
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
U.S. Treasury securities
  $ 2,058     $ 2,058     $     $  
Securities of U.S. government
                               
   agencies and corporations
    27,560             27,560        
Obligations of states and
                               
    political subdivisions
    27,662             27,662        
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    5,304             5,304          
Mortgage-backed securities
    120,746             120,746        
                                 
Total investments at fair value
  $ 183,330     $ 2,058     $ 181,272     $  
                                 


 
28

 

The table below presents the recorded amount of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2011.
   
(in thousands)
 
 
December 31, 2011
 
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
U.S. Treasury securities
  $ 2,314     $ 2,314     $     $  
Securities of U.S. government
                               
   agencies and corporations
    37,014             37,014        
Obligations of states and
                               
    political subdivisions
    20,617             20,617        
Mortgage-backed securities
    100,296             100,296        
                                 
Total investments at fair value
  $ 160,241     $ 2,314     $ 157,927     $  


Assets Recorded at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis

The Company may be required, from time to time, to measure certain assets at fair value on a non-recurring basis in accordance with U.S. GAAP.  These include assets that are measured at the lower of cost or market where fair value is below cost at the end of the period.

Assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis are included in the table below by level within the fair value hierarchy as of June 30, 2012.

   
(in thousands)
 
 
June 30, 2012
 
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
Impaired loans
  $ 5,799     $     $     $ 5,799  
Loan servicing rights
    1,301                   1,301  
                                 
Total assets at fair value
  $ 7,100     $     $     $ 7,100  


Assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis are included in the table below by level within the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2011.

   
(in thousands)
 
 
December 31, 2011
 
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
Impaired loans
  $ 4,008     $     $     $ 4,008  
Other real estate owned
    1,001                   1,001  
Loan servicing rights
    1,289                   1,289  
                                 
Total assets at fair value
  $ 6,298     $     $     $ 6,298  


There were no liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring or non-recurring basis at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

 
29

 
 
7.            PREFERRED STOCK

On September 15, 2011, the Company issued to the U.S. Treasury under the United States Department of Treasury Small Business Lending Fund (SBLF) 22,847 shares of the Company’s Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A (SBLF Shares), having a liquidation preference per share equal to $1,000, for an aggregate purchase price of $22,847,000.

On September 15, 2011, the Company redeemed from the U.S. Treasury, using the partial proceeds from the issuance of the SBLF Shares, all 17,390 outstanding shares of its Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, liquidation amount $1,000 per share, for a redemption price of $17,390,000, plus accrued but unpaid dividends at the date of redemption.  Also, on November 16, 2011 the Company repurchased from the U.S. Treasury a warrant to purchase 352,977 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $7.39 per share (the “Warrant”), issued to the U.S. Treasury on March 13, 2009, in connection with the Company’s participation in the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) Capital Purchase Program.  The Company paid an aggregate purchase price of $375,000 for the repurchase of the Warrant, which has been canceled.  The repurchase price was based on the fair market value of the Warrant as agreed upon by the Company and U.S. Treasury.  With the repurchase of the Warrant, the Company concluded its participation in the TARP Capital Purchase Program.

8.      FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating its fair value disclosures for financial instruments:

Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet for cash and short-term instruments are a reasonable estimate of fair value.  The carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value because of the relatively short term between the origination of the instrument and its expected realization.  Therefore, the Company believes the measurement of fair value of cash and cash equivalents is derived from Level 1 inputs.
 
Other Equity Securities
 
The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet approximate fair value.  The Company believes the measurement of the fair value of other equity securities is derived from Level 2 inputs.
 
Loans Receivable
 
For variable-rate loans that reprice frequently and with no significant change in credit risk, fair values are based on carrying values.  The fair values for other loans (e.g., commercial real estate and rental property mortgage loans, commercial and industrial loans, and agricultural loans) are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, using interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality.  The allowance for loan losses is considered to be a reasonable estimate of loan discount due to credit risks.  Given that there are loans with specific terms that are not readily available, the Company believes the fair value of loans receivable is derived from Level 3 inputs.
 
Loans Held-for-Sale
 
For loans held for sale, carrying value approximates fair value.  See FN(6), Fair Value Measurement.
 
Interest receivable and payable
 
The carrying amount of interest receivable and payable approximates its fair value.  The Company believes the measurement of the fair value of interest receivable and payable is derived from Level 2 inputs.
 
Deposit Liabilities
 
The Company measures fair value of deposits using Level 2 and Level 3 inputs.  The fair value of deposits were derived by discounting their expected future cash flows back to their present values based on the FHLB yield curve, and their expected decay rates for non maturing deposits.  The Company is able to obtain FHLB yield curve rates as of the measurement date, and believes these inputs fall under Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.  Decay rates were developed through internal analysis, and are supported by recent years of the Bank’s transaction history.  The inputs used by the Company to derive the decay rate assumptions are unobservable inputs, and therefore fall under Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
 
 
30

 
FHLB Advances and Other Borrowings
 
The fair values of borrowed funds were estimated by discounting future cash flows related to these financial instruments using current market rates for financial instruments with similar characteristics.  The Company believes the measurement of the fair value of FHLB advances and other borrowings is derived from Level 2 inputs.
 
Limitations
 
Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument. These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the Company’s entire holdings of a particular financial instrument. Because no market exists for a significant portion of the Company’s financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments, and other factors. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision.  Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.
 
Fair value estimates are based on existing on-and off-balance sheet financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments. Other significant assets and liabilities that are not considered financial assets or liabilities include deferred tax liabilities and premises and equipment.  In addition, the tax ramifications related to the realization of the unrealized gains and losses can have a significant effect on fair value estimates and have not been considered in many of the estimates.
 
 
31

 
 
The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments for the periods ended June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 are approximately as follows:
 
         
June 30, 2012
 
(in thousands)
 
Level
   
Carrying amount
   
Fair
value
 
                   
Financial assets:
                 
Cash and cash equivalents
    1     $ 117,802     $ 117,802  
Other equity securities
    2       3,607       3,607  
Loans:
                       
Net loans
    3       437,941       435,666  
Loans held-for-sale
    2       3,220       3,364  
Interest receivable
    2       2,731       2,731  
Financial liabilities:
                       
Deposits
    3       687,182       676,175  
Interest payable
    2       107       107  

 

   
December 31, 2011
 
(in thousands)
 
Carrying amount
   
Fair
value
 
             
Financial assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 140,172     $ 140,172  
Other equity securities
    3,075       3,075  
Loans:
               
Net loans
    432,789       430,071  
Loans held-for-sale
    2,832       2,917  
Interest receivable
    2,710       2,710  
Financial liabilities:
               
Deposits
    678,958       671,399  
FHLB advances and other   borrowings
    7,000       7,070  
Interest payable
    134       134  


 
32

 

9.      INVESTMENT SECURITIES

 
The amortized cost, unrealized gains and losses and estimated fair values of investments in debt and other securities at June 30, 2012 are summarized as follows:
 
(in thousands)
 
Amortized cost
   
Unrealized gains
   
Unrealized losses
   
Estimated fair value
 
                         
Investment securities available-for-sale:
                       
U.S. Treasury securities
  $ 2,046     $ 12     $     $ 2,058  
Securities of U.S. government agencies and corporations
    27,359       201    
__
      27,560  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
    26,419       1,301       (58 )     27,662  
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    5,285       24       (5 )—     5,304  
Mortgage-backed securities
    119,547       1,236       (37 )     120,746  
                                 
Total debt securities
  $ 180,656     $ 2,774     $ (100 )   $ 183,330  

The amortized cost, unrealized gains and losses and estimated fair values of investments in debt and other securities at December 31, 2011 are summarized as follows:
 
(in thousands)
 
Amortized cost
   
Unrealized gains
   
Unrealized losses
   
Estimated fair value
 
                         
Investment securities available-for-sale:
                       
U.S. Treasury securities
  $ 2,294     $ 20     $     $ 2,314  
Securities of U.S. government agencies and corporations
    36,820       203       (9 )     37,014  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
    19,735       894       (12 )     20,617  
Mortgage-backed securities
    100,130       586       (420 )     100,296  
                                 
Total debt securities
  $ 158,979     $ 1,703     $ (441 )   $ 160,241  

 
There were no proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities for the six-month and three-month periods ended June 30, 2012.  Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities were $18,082,000 for the six-month and three-month periods ended June 30, 2011. Gross realized gains from calls of available-for-sale securities were $1 and $0 for the six-month and three-month periods ended June 30, 2012, respectively.  Gross realized gains from available-for-sale securities were $456,000 for the six-month and three-month periods ended June 30, 2011.  There were no gross realized losses from sales of available-for-sale securities for the six-month and three-month periods ended June 30, 2012 and June 30, 2011.

The amortized cost and estimated market value of debt and other securities at June 30, 2012, by contractual maturity, are shown in the following table.
 
(in thousands)
 
Amortized
cost
   
Estimated fair value
 
             
Due in one year or less
  $ 16,999     $ 17,111  
Due after one year through five years
    120,908       122,099  
Due after five years through ten years
    32,210       32,986  
Due after ten years
    10,539       11,134  
                 
    $ 180,656     $ 183,330  

Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.   Securities due after one year through five years included mortgage-backed securities with expected maturities totaling $102,633,000.  The maturities on these securities were based on the average lives of the securities.
 
 
33

 
An analysis of gross unrealized losses of the available-for-sale investment securities portfolio as of June 30, 2012, follows:
 
   
Less than 12 months
   
12 months or more
   
Total
 
(in thousands)
 
Fair Value
   
Unrealized losses
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized losses
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized losses
 
                                     
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
    4,354       (58 )                 4,354       (58 )
                                                 
Mortgaged-backed
     securities
    4,941       (37 )                 4,941       (37 )
                                                 
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations
    2,794       (5 )                 2,794       (5 )
                                                 
                                                 
Total
  $ 12,089     $ (100 )               $ 12,089     $ (100 )


No decline in value was considered “other-than-temporary” during 2012.  Twelve securities that had a fair value of $12,089,000 and a total unrealized loss of $100,000 have been in an unrealized loss position for less than twelve months as of June 30, 2012. The declines in fair value were primarily attributable to changes in interest rates.  As the Company does not intend to sell these securities and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell these securities prior to their anticipated recovery, these investments are not considered other-than-temporarily impaired.

An analysis of gross unrealized losses of the available-for-sale investment securities portfolio as of December 31, 2011, follows:
 
   
Less than 12 months
   
12 months or more
   
Total
 
(in thousands)
 
Fair Value
   
Unrealized losses
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized losses
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized losses
 
                                     
Securities of U.S.
    government agencies
    and corporations
  $ 4,034     $ (9 )   $     $     $ 4,034     $ (9 )
                                                 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
    506       (10 )     167       (2 )     673       (12 )
                                                 
Mortgage-backed securities
    47,861       (420 )                 47,861       (420 )
                                                 
                                                 
Total
  $ 52,401     $ (439 )   $ 167     $ (2 )   $ 52,568     $ (441 )


Investment securities carried at $20,964,000 and $34,206,000 at June 30,, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, were pledged to secure public deposits or for other purposes as required or permitted by law.
 
 
34

 
10.      ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
The following table details activity in accumulated other comprehensive income for the three-month period ended June 30, 2012.
 

 
($ in thousands)
 
Unrealized Gains on Securities
   
Directors’ and officers’ retirement plans
   
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
 
Balance as of March 31, 2012
  $ 1,344     $ (495 )   $ 849  
Current period other comprehensive   income
    260             260  
     Balance as of June 30, 2012
  $ 1,604     $ (495 )   $ 1,109  

 
The following table details activity in accumulated other comprehensive income for the six-month period ended June 30, 2012.
 

 
($ in thousands)
 
Unrealized Gains on Securities
   
Directors’ and officers’ retirement plans
   
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
 
Balance as of December 31, 2011
  $ 758     $ (495 )   $ 263  
Current period other comprehensive   income
    846             846  
     Balance as of June 30, 2012
  $ 1,604     $ (495 )   $ 1,109  

 
 
35

 
 
FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP
 
ITEM 2. – MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report includes forward-looking statements, which include forecasts of our financial results and condition, expectations for our operations and business, and our assumptions for those forecasts and expectations. Do not rely unduly on forward-looking statements. Actual results might differ significantly compared to our forecasts and expectations. See Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors,” and the other risks described in our 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K for factors to be considered when reading any forward-looking statements in this filing.
This report includes forward-looking statements, which are subject to the “safe harbor” created by section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. We may make forward-looking statements in our Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings, press releases, news articles and when we are speaking on behalf of the Company. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Often, they include the words “believe,” “expect,” “target,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “seek,” “strive,” “estimate,” “potential,” “project,” or words of similar meaning, or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “might,” or “may.” These forward-looking statements are intended to provide investors with additional information with which they may assess our future potential. All of these forward-looking statements are based on assumptions about an uncertain future and are based on information available to us at the date of these statements. We do not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect facts, circumstances, assumptions or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statements are made.
In this document, for example we make forward-looking statements relating to the following topics:
·  
Our business objectives, strategies and initiatives, our organizational structure, the growth of our business and our competitive position
 
·  
Credit quality and provision for credit losses
 
·  
Our allowances for credit losses, including the conditions we consider in determining the unallocated allowance and our portfolio credit quality, underwriting standards, and risk grade
 
·  
Our assessment of significant factors and developments that have affected or may affect our results
 
·  
Pending and recent legal and regulatory actions, and future legislative and regulatory developments, including the effects of legislation and governmental measures enacted or introduced in response to the financial crises affecting the banking system, financial markets and the U.S. economy
 
·  
Regulatory controls and processes and their impact on our business
 
·  
The costs and effects of legal actions
 
·  
Our regulatory capital requirements
 
·  
We do not anticipate paying a cash dividend in the foreseeable future
 
·  
Our assessment of economic conditions and trends and credit cycles and their impact on our business
 
·  
The impact of changes in interest rates and our strategy to manage our interest rate risk profile
 
·  
Loan portfolio composition and risk grade trends, expected charge offs, delinquency rates and our underwriting standards
 
 
 
36

 
 
·  
The Company believes that the Bank’s deposit base does not involve any undue concentration levels from one person or industry
 
·  
Our intent to sell, and the likelihood that we would be required to sell, various investment securities
 
·  
Our liquidity position
 
·  
Critical accounting policies and estimates, the impact or anticipated impact of recent accounting pronouncements or change in accounting principles
 
·  
Expected rates of return, yields and projected results
 
There are numerous risks and uncertainties that could and will cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in our forward-looking statements. Many of these factors are beyond our ability to control or predict and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations or prospects. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to those listed in Item 1A “Risk Factors” of Part II, Item 2 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of Part I of this Form 10-Q and “Supervision and Regulation” of our 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 
37

 
INTRODUCTION

This overview of Management’s Discussion and Analysis highlights selected information in this report and may not contain all of the information that is important to you.  For a more complete understanding of trends, events, commitments, uncertainties, liquidity, capital resources and critical accounting estimates, you should carefully read this entire report, together with our Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 .

Our subsidiary, First Northern Bank of Dixon (the “Bank”), is a California state-chartered bank that derives most of its revenues from lending and deposit taking in the Sacramento Valley region of Northern California.  Interest rates, business conditions and customer confidence all affect our ability to generate revenues.  In addition, the regulatory environment and competition can present challenges to our ability to generate those revenues.


Significant results and developments during the second quarter and year-to-date 2012 include:

·   Net income of $2.3 million for the six months ended June 3 0 , 2012, up 43.8% from the $1.6 million for the same fiscal period last year.

·   Net income available to common stockholders of $1.7 million for the six months ended June 3 0 , 2012, up 54.5% from the $1.1 million for the same fiscal period last year.
 
 
·   Diluted income per share for the six-month period ended June 3 0 , 2012 was $0.19, up 58.3% from the diluted income per share of $0.12 reported in the same period last year.

·   Net interest income decreased in the six months ended June 3 0 , 2012 by $20 ,000 , or 0.15%, to $12.93 million from $12.95 million in the same period last year.  The decrease in net interest income was primarily attributable to a decrease in interest yields, partially offset by a decrease in interest costs.  Net interest margin decreased from 3.77% for the six-month period ending June 30, 2011 to 3.54% for the same period ending June 30, 2012.

·   Provision for loan losses of $1.23 million for the six-month period ended June 3 0 , 2012 compared to a provision for loan losses of $2.48 million for the same period in 2011 .

·   Total assets at June 3 0 , 2012 were $785.1 million, an increase of $3.9 million, or 0.5%, from levels at December 31, 2011 .
 
 
·   Total net loans at June 3 0 , 2012 (including loans held-for-sale) increased $5.5 million, or 1.3%, to $441.2 million compared to December 31, 2011 .

·   Total investment securities at June 3 0 , 2012 increased $23.1 million, or 14.4%, to $183.3 million compared to December 31, 2011 .

·   Total deposits of $687.2 million at June 3 0 , 2012, represented an increase of $8.2 million, or 1.2%, compared to December 31, 2011 .

·   Net income of $1.2 million for the three months ended June 3 0 , 2012, up 50.0% from the $0.8 million for the same fiscal period last year.

·   Net income available to common stockholders of $0.9 million for the three months ended June 3 0 , 2012, up 80.0% from the $0.5 million for the same fiscal period last year.
 
·   Diluted income per share for the three-month period ended June 3 0 , 2012 was $0.10, up 66.7% from the diluted income per share of $0.06 reported in the same period last year.

 
38

 
SUMMARY

The Company recorded net income of $2,299,000 for the six-month period ended June 30, 2012, representing an increase of $738,000 from net income of $1,561,000 for the same period in 2011.


The following tables present a summary of the results for the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, and a summary of financial condition at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

   
Three months ended June 30, 2012
   
Three months ended June 30, 2011
   
Six months ended June 30, 2012
   
Six months ended June 30, 2011
 
                         
(in thousands except for per share amounts)
                   
For the Period:
                       
                         
     Net Income
  $ 1,207     $ 795     $ 2,299     $ 1,561  
                                 
     Basic Earnings Per Common Share
  $ 0.10     $ 0.06     $ 0.19     $ 0.12  
                                 
     Diluted Earnings Per Common Share
  $ 0.10     $ 0.06     $ 0.19     $ 0.12  
                                 
 
                               


   
June 30, 2012
   
December 31, 2011
 
             
(in thousands except for ratios)
       
At Period End:
           
             
      Total Assets
  $ 785,050     $ 781,150  
                 
      Total Loans, Net (including loans held-for-sale)
  $ 441,161     $ 435,621  
                 
     Total Investment Securities
  $ 183,330     $ 160,241  
                 
     Total Deposits
  $ 687,182     $ 678,958  
                 
      Loan-To-Deposit Ratio
    64.2 %     64.2 %

 
39

 
FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP
 
Distribution of Average Statements of Condition and Analysis of Net Interest Income
(in thousands, except percentage amounts)

   
Three months ended
   
Three months ended
 
   
June 30, 2012
   
June 30, 2011
 
   
Average
         
Yield/
   
Average
         
Yield/
 
   
Balance
   
Interest
   
Rate
   
Balance
   
Interest
   
Rate
 
Assets
                                   
Interest-earning assets:
                                   
Loans (1)
  $ 432,772     $ 6,044       5.60 %   $ 426,369     $ 6,346       5.97 %
Interest bearing due from banks
    109,816       95       0.35 %     130,388       91       0.28 %
Investment securities, taxable
    178,262       798       1.80 %     121,596       688       2.27 %
Investment securities, non-taxable  (2)
    10,482       103       3.94 %     10,266       108       4.22 %
Other interest earning assets
    3,438       8       0.93 %     2,992       4       0.54 %
Total average interest-earning assets
    734,770       7,048       3.85 %     691,611       7,237       4.20 %
Non-interest-earning assets:
                                               
Cash and due from banks
    15,207                       15,571                  
Premises and equipment, net
    8,116                       8,133                  
Other real estate owned
    975                       2,312                  
Interest receivable and other assets
    31,418                       33,302                  
Total average assets
    790,486                       750,929                  
                                                 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity:
                                               
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
Interest-bearing transaction deposits
    164,820       92       0.22 %     151,452       86       0.23 %
Savings and MMDA’s
    212,556       176       0.33 %     207,707       232       0.45 %
Time, under $100,000
    37,582       52       0.55 %     39,507       61       0.62 %
Time, $100,000 and over
    62,087       118       0.76 %     65,037       175       1.08 %
FHLB advances and other borrowings
    6,846       69       4.04 %     10,150       91       3.60 %
Total average interest-bearing liabilities
    483,891       507       0.42 %     473,853       645       0.55 %
Non-interest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
Non-interest-bearing demand deposits
    214,242                       189,611                  
Interest payable and other liabilities
    6,967                       6,954                  
Total liabilities
    705,100                       670,418                  
Total average stockholders’ equity
    85,386                       80,511                  
Total average liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 790,486                     $ 750,929                  
Net interest income and net interest margin (3)
          $ 6,541       3.57 %           $ 6,592       3.82 %
                                                 

1.  Average balances for loans include loans held-for-sale and non-accrual loans and are net of the allowance for loan losses, but non-accrued interest thereon is excluded.  Loan interest income includes loan fees of approximately $256 and $168 for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
2.  Interest income and yields on tax-exempt securities are not presented on a taxable equivalent basis.
3.  Net interest margin is computed by dividing net interest income by total average interest-earning assets.

 
 
40

 

 
FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP
 
Distribution of Average Statements of Condition and Analysis of Net Interest Income
(in thousands, except percentage amounts)

   
Six months ended
   
Six months ended
 
   
June 30, 2012
   
June 30, 2011
 
   
Average
         
Yield/
   
Average
         
Yield/
 
   
Balance
   
Interest
   
Rate
   
Balance
   
Interest
   
Rate
 
Assets
                                   
Interest-earning assets:
                                   
Loans (1)
  $ 427,383     $ 12,034       5.65 %   $ 428,776     $ 12,603       5.93 %
Interest bearing due from banks
    120,785       174       0.29 %     138,175       176       0.26 %
Investment securities, taxable
    171,196       1,578       1.85 %     112,872       1,258       2.25 %
Investment securities, non-taxable  (2)
    10,500       207       3.95 %     10,335       219       4.27 %
Other interest earning assets
    3,257       12       0.74 %     2,908       4       0.28 %
Total average interest-earning assets
    733,121       14,005       3.83 %     693,066       14,260       4.15 %
Non-interest-earning assets:
                                               
Cash and due from banks
    15,446                       15,675                  
Premises and equipment, net
    8,100                       8,075                  
Other real estate owned
    1,160                       2,788                  
Interest receivable and other assets
    31,731                       32,968                  
Total average assets
    789,558                       752,572                  
                                                 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity:
                                               
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
Interest-bearing transaction deposits
    162,996       182       0.22 %     149,638       171       0.23 %
Savings and MMDA’s
    215,323       371       0.35 %     209,723       474       0.46 %
Time, under $100,000
    37,769       106       0.56 %     39,659       124       0.63 %
Time, $100,000 and over
    64,934       271       0.84 %     66,295       356       1.08 %
FHLB advances and other borrowings
    6,923       141       4.08 %     10,143       181       3.60 %
Total average interest-bearing liabilities
    487,945       1,071       0.44 %     475,458       1,306       0.55 %
Non-interest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
Non-interest-bearing demand deposits
    210,258                       190,612                  
Interest payable and other liabilities
    6,948                       6,658                  
Total liabilities
    705,151                       672,728                  
Total average stockholders’ equity
    84,407                       79,844                  
Total average liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 789,558                     $ 752,572                  
Net interest income and net interest margin (3)
          $ 12,934       3.54 %           $ 12,954       3.77 %
                                                 

1.  Average balances for loans include loans held-for-sale and non-accrual loans and are net of the allowance for loan losses, but non-accrued interest thereon is excluded.  Loan interest income includes loan fees of approximately $454 and $358 for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
2.  Interest income and yields on tax-exempt securities are not presented on a taxable equivalent basis.
3.  Net interest margin is computed by dividing net interest income by total average interest-earning assets.


 
41

 
CHANGES IN FINANCIAL CONDITION

The assets of the Company set forth in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets reflect a $22,370,000 decrease in cash and cash equivalents, a $23,089,000 increase in investment securities available-for-sale, a $5,152,000 increase in net loans held-for-investment, a $532,000 increase in other interest earning assets, a $1,325,000 decrease in other real estate owned and a $1,541,000 decrease in interest receivable and other assets from December 31, 2011 to June 30, 2012.  The decrease in cash and cash equivalents was due to a decrease in non-interest bearing due from bank accounts and interest bearing due from bank accounts.  The increase in investment securities available-for-sale was primarily the result of purchases of agency bonds, municipal securities, collateralized mortgage obligations, and mortgage backed securities, slightly offset by calls of agency bonds.  The increase in loans held-for-investment was due to increases in the following loan categories as a result of increased loan demand: equipment; financed equipment leases; true equipment leases; real estate commercial and construction.  The increase in loans held-for-investment was partially offset by decreases in the following loan categories:  commercial and industrial; agricultural; consumer; real estate; real estate SBA (Small Business Administration); home equity lines.  The increase in other interest earning assets was due to purchases of Federal Home Loan Bank stock.  The decrease in other real estate owned is due to the sale of three other real estate owned properties.  The decrease in interest receivable and other assets was mainly due to decreases in accrued income on loans, income taxes receivable, housing tax credits, prepaid expenses and suspense & holdovers, which was partially offset by increases in accrued income on securities and unamortized loan costs.

The liabilities of the Company set forth in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets reflect an increase in total deposits of $8,224,000 from December 31, 2011 to June 30, 2012.  The increase in deposits was due to increases in demand deposits, interest-bearing transaction deposits, and savings and money market accounts, which were partially offset by decreases in time deposits.

Federal Home Loan Bank advances (“FHLB advances”) and other borrowings decreased $7,000,000 from December 31, 2011 to June 30, 2012, due to maturing FHLB advances.

 
42

 
CHANGES IN RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Interest Income

The Federal Open Market Committee made no changes to the Federal Funds rate during the twelve-month period ended June 30, 2012.

Interest income on loans for the six-month period ended June 30, 2012 was down 4.5% from the same period in 2011, decreasing from $12,603,000 to $12,034,000 and was down 4.8% for the three-month period ended June 30, 2012 over the same period in 2011, from $6,346,000 to $6,044,000.  The decrease in interest income on loans for the six-month period ended June 30, 2012 as compared to the same period a year ago was primarily due to a 28 basis point decrease in loan yields combined with a decrease in average loans.  The decrease in interest income on loans for the three-month period ended June 30, 2012 as compared to the same period a year ago was primarily due to a 37 basis point decrease in loan yields, partially offset by an increase in average loans.  The decrease in loan yields was primarily due to repricing of loans at lower rates.

Interest income on investment securities available-for-sale for the six-month period ended June 30, 2012 was up 20.9% from the same period in 2011, increasing from $1,477,000 to $1,785,000 and was up 13.2% for the three-month period ended June 30, 2012 over the same period in 2011, from $796,000 to $901,000.  The increase in interest income on investment securities for the six-month period ended June 30, 2012 as compared to the same period a year ago was primarily due to an increase in average investment securities, partially offset by a 43 basis point decrease in investment securities yields.  The increase in interest income on investment securities for the three-month period ended June 30, 2012 as compared to the same period a year ago was primarily due to an increase in average investment securities, partially offset by a 51 basis point decrease in investment securities yields.  The decrease in investment securities yields for the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 was primarily due to reinvestment of maturing securities at lower rates and purchases of securities at lower rates.

Interest income on interest-bearing due from banks for the six-month period ended June 30, 2012 was down 1.1% from the same period in 2011, decreasing from $176,000 to $174,000 and was up 4.4% for the three-month period ended June 30, 2012 over the same period in 2011, from $91,000 to $95,000.  The decrease in interest income on interest-bearing due from banks for the six-month period ended June 30, 2012 as compared to the same period a year ago was primarily due to a decrease in average interest-bearing due from banks, partially offset by a 3 basis point increase in interest-bearing due from banks yield.  The increase in interest income on interest-bearing due from banks for the three-month period ended June 30, 2012 as compared to the same period a year ago was primarily due to a 7 basis point increase in interest bearing due from banks yield, partially offset by a decrease in average interest-bearing due from banks.

The Company had no Federal Funds sold balances during the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 and June 30, 2011.

 
43

 
 
Interest Expense

The sustained low interest rate environment decreased the Company’s cost of funds in the first six months of 2012 compared to the same period a year ago.

Interest expense on deposits and other borrowings for the six - month period ended June 3 0 , 2012 was down 18.0% from the same period in 2011, decreasing from $1,306 , 000 to $1,071,000 and was down 21.4% for the three-month period ended June 30, 2012 over the same period in 2011, from $645,000 to $507,000.  The decrease in interest expense during the six - month period ended June 3 0 , 2012 was due to an 11 basis point decrease in the Company’s average cost of funds, which was partially offset by an increase in average interest-bearing liabilities.  The decrease in interest expense during the three-month period ended June 3 0 , 2012 was due to a 13 basis point decrease in the Company’s average cost of funds, which was partially offset by an increase in average interest-bearing liabilities.  The decrease in average cost of funds for the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 is primarily due to the maturing and repricing of time deposits and a change in the mix of interest-bearing liabilities, which resulted in an increase in lower cost deposits.

Provision for Loan Losses

There was a provision for loan losses of $1,226,000 for the six-month period ended June 30, 2012 compared to a provision for loan losses of $2,480,000 for the same period in 2011.  There was a provision for loan losses of $676,000 for the three-month period ended June 30, 2012 compared to a provision for loan losses of $1,490,000 for the same period in 2011.  The allowance for loan losses was approximately $9,784,000, or 2.19% of total loans, at June 30, 2012 compared to $10,408,000, or 2.35% of total loans, at December 31, 2011.  The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level considered adequate by management to provide for probable loan losses inherent in the loan portfolio.

The decrease in the provision for loan losses during the six-month period in 2012 was primarily due to decreased net charge-offs and decreased loan volumes compared to the six-month period in 2011.  The decrease in the provision for loan losses during the three-month period in 2012 was primarily due to decreased net charge-offs, partially offset by increased loan volumes compared to the three-month period in 2011.

Provision for Unfunded Lending Commitment Losses

There was no provision for unfunded lending commitment losses for the six-month period ended June 30, 2012 compared to a recovery of provision for unfunded lending commitment losses of $24,000 for the six-month period ended June 30, 2011.  There was no provision for unfunded lending commitment losses for the three-month period ended June 30, 2012 compared to a recovery of provision for unfunded lending commitment losses of $24,000 for the three-month period ended June 30, 2011.

The provision for unfunded lending commitment losses is included in non-interest expense.

 
44

 
Other Operating Income
 
 
Other operating income was down 1.9% for the six-month period ended June 30, 2012 from the same period in 2011, decreasing from $4,553,000 to $4,466,000.

This decrease was primarily due to decreases in service charges on deposit accounts, gains on sales of other real estate owned, investment and brokerage services income, loan servicing income, and gains on sales of available for sale securities, which was partially offset by increases in gains on loans held-for-sale, mortgage brokerage income, fiduciary activities income, ATM fees, and signature based transaction fees.  The decrease in service charges on deposit accounts is primarily due to decreases in service charges on checking accounts.  The decrease in gains on other real estate owned was primarily due to three properties sold during the six-month period ended June 30, 2012, compared to five properties sold during the six-month period ended June 30, 2011.  The decrease in investment and brokerage services income was due to a decrease in the demand for those services.  The decrease in loan servicing income was primarily due to an increase in impairment expense and amortization expense, partially offset by an increase in mortgage servicing assets recorded.  The decrease in gains on sales of available for sale securities is primarily due to a decrease in the number of securities sold.  The increase in gains on loans held-for-sale was due to increased sales volume of loans held-for-sale.  The increase in mortgage brokerage income and fiduciary activities income was primarily due to an increase in the demand for those services.  The increase in ATM fees and signature based transaction fees is primarily due to an increase in the volume of transactions.

Other operating income was down 1.1% for the three-month period ended June 30, 2012 from the same period in 2011, decreasing from $2,366,000 to $2,341,000.

This decrease was primarily due to decreases in service charges on deposit accounts, investment and brokerage services income, gains on sales of available for sale securities, and other income, which was partially offset by increases in gains on loans held-for-sale, loan servicing income, fiduciary activities income, and signature based transaction fees.  The decrease in service charges on deposit accounts is primarily due to decreases in service charges on checking accounts.  The decrease in investment and brokerage services income was due to a decrease in the demand for those services.  The decrease in gains on sales of available for sale securities is primarily due to a decrease in the number of securities sold.  The decrease in other income is primarily due to a decrease in rental income on other real estate owned property.  The increase in gains on loans held-for-sale was due to increased sales volume of loans held-for-sale.  The increase in loan servicing income is primarily due to an increase in mortgage servicing assets recorded, partially offset by an increase in amortization expense.  The increase in fiduciary activities income was primarily due to an increase in the demand for those services.  The increase in signature based transaction fees is primarily due to an increase in the volume of transactions.

 
45

 
 
Other Operating Expenses

Total other operating expenses were down 1.5% for the six-month period ended June 30, 2012 from the same period in 2011, decreasing from $13,220,000 to $13,018,000.

The decrease was primarily due to decreases in occupancy and equipment expense, advertising, directors’ fees, and other real estate owned expense and impairment, which was partially offset by increases in salaries and employee benefits, data processing, and other expenses.  The decrease in occupancy and equipment expense was primarily due to decreases in branch moving expenses, rent expense and utilities expense due to renegotiated leases.  The decrease in directors’ fees was primarily due to a decrease in the number of meetings.  The decrease in other real estate owned expense and impairment was due to a decrease in write-downs and maintenance expenses.  The increase in salaries and employee benefits was primarily due to increases in commissions, contingent compensation, and profit sharing expense, which was partially offset by a decrease in worker’s compensation insurance expense.  The increase in data processing expenses was primarily due to increases in general data processing costs and increases in contract pricing.  The increase in other expenses is primarily due to increases in consulting fees and loan origination expense, which was partially offset by decreases in FDIC assessments.

Total other operating expenses were down 0.2% for the three-month period ended June 30, 2012 from the same period in 2011, decreasing from $6,536,000 to $6,526,000.

The decrease was primarily due to decreases in occupancy and equipment expense, advertising, and other real estate owned expense and impairment, which was partially offset by increases in salaries and employee benefits, data processing, and other expenses.  The decrease in occupancy and equipment expense was primarily due to decreases in branch moving expenses, rent expense and utilities expense due to renegotiated leases.  The decrease in other real estate owned expense and impairment was due to a decrease in write-downs and maintenance expenses.  The increase in salaries and employee benefits was primarily due to increases in commissions, contingent compensation, and profit sharing expense, which was partially offset by a decrease in worker’s compensation insurance expense.  The increase in data processing expenses was primarily due to increases in general data processing costs.  The increase in other expenses is primarily due to increases in consulting fees, loan origination expense, and sundry losses, which was partially offset by decreases in FDIC assessments and legal fees.

 
46

 
 
The following table sets forth other miscellaneous operating expenses by category for the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 and 2011.

   
(in thousands)
 
       
   
Three
   
Three
   
Six
   
Six
 
   
months
   
months
   
months
   
months
 
   
ended
   
ended
   
ended
   
ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Other miscellaneous operating expenses
                       
Recovery of provision for unfunded loan commitments expense
  $     $ (24 )   $     $ (24 )
FDIC assessments
    93       184       274       472  
Contributions
    32       27       52       43  
Legal fees
    47       81       127       127  
Accounting and audit fees
    81       97       146       196  
Consulting fees
    137       89       225       158  
Postage expense
    99       95       168       192  
Telephone expense
    41       54       98       106  
Public relations
    51       34       94       67  
Training expense
    30       35       55       58  
Loan origination expense
    127       55       288       58  
Computer software depreciation
    37       48       76       86  
Sundry losses (recovery)
    24       (27 )     41       16  
Loan collection expense
    54       40       111       94  
Other miscellaneous expense
    335       374       690       735  
                                 
Total other miscellaneous operating expenses
  $ 1,188     $ 1,162     $ 2,445     $ 2,384  
                                 

 
47

 
 
Income Taxes

The Company’s tax rate, the  Company’s income or loss before taxes and the amount of tax relief provided by non-taxable earnings primarily affect the Company’s provision for income taxes.

In the six months ended June 30, 2012, the Company’s expense for income taxes increased $611,000 from the same period last year, from $246,000 to $857,000.

In the three months ended June 30, 2012, the Company’s expense for income taxes increased $336,000 from the same period last year, from $137,000 to $473,000.

The increase in expense for income taxes for the period presented is primarily attributable to the respective level of earnings combined with the interim effective tax rate and the incidence of allowable deductions, in particular non-taxable municipal bond income, tax credits generated from low-income housing investments, solar tax credits, excludable interest income and, for California franchise taxes, higher excludable interest income on loans within designated enterprise zones.

Off-Balance Sheet Commitments

The following table shows the distribution of the Company’s undisbursed loan commitments at the dates indicated.

 
(in thousands)
 
             
   
June 30, 2012
   
December 31, 2011
 
             
Undisbursed loan commitments
  $ 152,286     $ 146,778  
Standby letters of credit
    1,584       1,872  
Commitments to sell loans
    6,324       7,530  
    $ 160,194     $ 156,180  
 

 
The reserve for unfunded lending commitments amounted to $793,000 at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.  The reserve for unfunded lending commitments is included in other liabilities.


 
48

 

Asset Quality

The Company manages asset quality and credit risk by maintaining diversification in its loan portfolio and through review processes that include analysis of credit requests and ongoing examination of outstanding loans and delinquencies, with particular attention to portfolio dynamics and loan mix.  The Company strives to identify loans experiencing difficulty early enough to correct the problems, to record charge-offs promptly based on realistic assessments of collectability and current collateral values and to maintain an adequate allowance for loan losses at all times.   Asset quality reviews of loans and other non-performing assets are administered using credit risk rating standards and criteria similar to those employed by state and federal banking regulatory agencies.  The federal bank and thrift regulatory agencies utilize the following definitions for assets adversely classified for supervisory purposes:

·  
Substandard Assets – A substandard asset is inadequately protected by the current sound worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Assets so classified must have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the institution will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.
·  
Doubtful Assets – An asset classified doubtful has all the weaknesses inherent in one classified substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, highly questionable and improbable.

Other Real Estate Owned and loans rated Substandard and Doubtful are deemed "classified assets".  This category, which includes both performing and non-performing assets, receives an elevated level of attention regarding collection.

The following tables summarize the Company’s non-accrual loans net of guarantees of the State of California and U.S. Government by loan category at June 30, 2012, March 31, 2012, and December 31, 2011.


   
At June 30, 2012
   
At March 31, 2012
 
   
Gross
   
Guaranteed
   
Net
   
Gross
   
Guaranteed
   
Net
 
(dollars in thousands)
                                   
                                     
                                     
Residential mortgage
  $ 1,006     $     $ 1,006     $ 995     $     $ 995  
Residential construction
    42             42       203             203  
Commercial real estate
    4,057             4,057       3,481             3,481  
Agriculture
    899             899       991             991  
Commercial
    3,042       124       2,918       3,123       62       3,061  
Consumer
    236       52       184       422       54       368  
Total non-accrual loans
  $ 9,282     $ 176     $ 9,106     $ 9,215     $ 116     $ 9,099  


   
At December 31, 2011
 
   
Gross
   
Guaranteed
   
Net
 
(dollars in thousands)
                 
                   
                   
Residential mortgage
  $ 1,334     $     $ 1,334  
Residential construction
    48             48  
Commercial real estate
    3,071             3,071  
Agriculture
    992             992  
Commercial
    2,905       62       2,843  
Consumer
    360             360  
Total non-accrual loans
  $ 8,710     $ 62     $ 8,648  


 
49

 
It is generally the Company’s policy to discontinue interest accruals once a loan is past due for a period of 90 days as to interest or principal payments.  When a loan is placed on non-accrual, interest accruals cease and uncollected accrued interest is reversed and charged against current income.  Payments received on non-accrual loans are applied against principal.  A loan may only be restored to an accruing basis when it again becomes well secured and in the process of collection or all past due amounts have been collected.

Non-accrual loans amounted to $9,282,000 at June 30, 2012 and were comprised of four residential mortgage loans totaling $1,006,000, one residential construction loans totaling $42,000, eight commercial real estate loans totaling $4,057,000, one agricultural loan totaling $899,000, eleven commercial loans totaling $3,042,000 and five consumer loans totaling $236,000.  Non-accrual loans amounted to $8,710,000 at December 31, 2011 and were comprised of four residential mortgage loans totaling $1,334,000, one residential construction loan totaling $48,000, six commercial real estate loans totaling $3,071,000, one agricultural loan totaling $992,000, twelve commercial loans totaling $2,905,000 and five consumer loans totaling $360,000.  It is generally the Company’s policy to charge-off the portion of any non-accrual loan that the Company does not expect to collect by writing the loan down to the estimated net realizable value of the underlying collateral.

The five largest non-accrual loans as of June 30, 2012, totaled approximately $5,875,000 or 63% of total non-accrual loans and consisted of three commercial real estate loans totaling $3,104,000, supported by commercial properties located within the Company’s market area, one agricultural loan totaling $899,000, supported by real property located within the Company’s market area and one commercial and industrial loan totaling $1,872,000, supported by the business assets of the borrower.  The collateral securing these loans is generally appraised every six months.

In comparison, the five largest non-accrual loans as of December 31, 2011, totaled approximately $6,181,000 or 71% of total non-accrual loans and consisted of one residential mortgage loan totaling $726,000, supported by residential property located within the Company’s market area, two commercial real estate loans totaling $2,626,000, supported by commercial properties located within the Company’s market area, one agricultural loan totaling $992,000, supported by real property located within the Company’s market area and one commercial and industrial loan totaling $1,837,000, supported by the business assets of the borrower.

Loans for which it is probable that payment of interest and principal will not be made in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement are considered impaired.  Non-performing impaired loans are non-accrual loans and loans that are 90 days or more past due and still accruing.  Total non-performing impaired loans at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 consisting of loans on non-accrual status totaled $9,282,000 and $8,710,000, respectively.  A restructuring of a loan can constitute a troubled debt restructuring if the Company for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower’s financial difficulties grants a concession to the borrower that it would not otherwise consider.  A loan that is restructured in a troubled debt restructuring is considered an impaired loan.  Performing impaired loans totaled $7,343,000 and $9,516,000 at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.  Performing impaired loans at June 30, 2012 consist of loans modified as troubled debt restructurings totaling $5,607,000 and other impaired loans totaling $1,736,000 which the Company expects to collect all principal and interest due and are performing satisfactorily.  Additionally, these loans are not on non-accrual status.  The majority of the non-performing impaired loans were in management's opinion adequately collateralized based on recently obtained appraised property values or guaranteed by a governmental entity.   See “Allowance for Loan Losses” below for additional information.  No assurance can be given that the existing or any additional collateral will be sufficient to secure full recovery of the obligations owed under these loans.

 
50

 
 
As the following table illustrates, total non-performing assets, net of guarantees of the State of California and U.S. Government, including its agencies and its government-sponsored agencies, decreased $867,000, or 8.7% to $9,106,000 during the first six months of 2012.  Non-performing assets, net of guarantees, represent 1.2% of total assets at June 30, 2012.


   
At June 30, 2012
   
At March 31, 2012
 
   
Gross
   
Guaranteed
   
Net
   
Gross
   
Guaranteed
   
Net
 
(dollars in thousands)
                                   
                                     
                                     
Non-accrual loans
  $ 9,282     $ 176     $ 9,106     $ 9,215     $ 116     $ 9,099  
Loans 90 days past due and still accruing
                      29             29  
                                                 
Total non-performing loans
    9,282       176       9,106       9,244       116       9,128  
Other real estate owned
                      1,618             1,618  
Total non-performing assets
    9,282       176       9,106       10,862       116       10,746  
                                                 
Non-performing loans to total loans
                    2.0 %                     2.1 %
Non-performing assets to total assets
                    1.2 %                     1.4 %
Allowance for loan and lease losses to non-performing loans
                    107.5 %                     113.5 %
                                                 


   
At December 31, 2011
 
   
Gross
   
Guaranteed
   
Net
 
(dollars in thousands)
                 
                   
                   
Non-accrual loans
  $ 8,710     $ 62     $ 8,648  
Loans 90 days past due and still accruing
                 
                         
Total non-performing loans
    8,710       62       8,648  
Other real estate owned
    1,325             1,325  
Total non-performing assets
    10,035       62       9,973  
                         
Non-performing loans to total loans
                    2.0 %
Non-performing assets to total assets
                    1.3 %
Allowance for loan and lease losses to non-performing loans
                    120.4 %
                         

The Company had no loans 90 days past due and still accruing at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

Other real estate owned (OREO) consists of property that the Company has acquired by deed in lieu of foreclosure or through foreclosure proceedings, and property that the Company does not hold title to but is in actual control of, known as in-substance foreclosure.  The estimated fair value of the property is determined prior to transferring the balance to OREO.  The balance transferred to OREO is the estimated fair value of the property less estimated cost to sell.  Impairment may be deemed necessary to bring the book value of the loan equal to the appraised value.  Appraisals or loan officer evaluations are then conducted periodically thereafter charging any additional impairment to the appropriate expense account.
 
OREO amounted to $0 and $1,325,000 as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.  The decrease in OREO at June 30, 2012 from the balance at December 31, 2011 was due to the sale of three properties.

 
51

 
Allowance for Loan Losses

The Company’s Allowance for Loan Losses is maintained at a level believed by management to be adequate to provide for loan losses that can be reasonably anticipated.  The allowance is increased by provisions charged to operating expense and reduced by net charge-offs.  The Company contracts with vendors for credit reviews of the loan portfolio as well as considers current economic conditions, loan loss experience, and other factors in determining the adequacy of the reserve balance.  The allowance for loan losses is based on estimates, and actual losses may vary from current estimates.

The following table summarizes the Allowance for Loan Losses of the Company during the six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, and for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Analysis of the Allowance for Loan Losses
 
(Amounts in thousands, except percentage amounts)
 
             
   
Six months ended
June 30,
   
Year ended
December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2011
 
                   
Balance at beginning of period
  $ 10,408     $ 11,039     $ 11,039  
Provision for loan losses
    1,226       2,480       5,138  
Loans charged-off:
                       
Commercial
    (1,079 )     (636 )     (2,381 )
Commercial Real Estate
    (342 )     (1,413 )     (2,000 )
Agriculture
    (115 )     (320 )     (860 )
Residential mortgage
    (31 )     (191 )     (272 )
Residential construction
    (161 )     (198 )     (197 )
Consumer loans to individuals
    (634 )     (448 )     (932 )
                         
Total charged-off
    (2,362 )     (3,206 )     (6,642 )
                         
Recoveries:
                       
Commercial
    237       22       185  
Commercial Real Estate
          147       288  
Agriculture
    3       116       142  
Residential mortgage
          11       11  
Residential construction
    224       51       71  
Consumer loans to individuals
    48       124       176  
                         
Total recoveries
    512       471       873  
                         
Net charge-offs
    (1,850 )     (2,735 )     (5,769 )
                         
Balance at end of period
  $ 9,784     $ 10,784     $ 10,408  
                         
Ratio of net charge-offs
                       
To average loans outstanding during the period
    (0.43 %)     (0.62 %)     (1.34 %)
Allowance for loan losses
                       
To total loans at the end of the period
    2.19 %     2.44 %     2.35 %
To non-performing loans, net of guarantees at the end of the period
    107.5 %     75.40 %     120.4 %


 
52

 
Deposits

Deposits are one of the Company’s primary sources of funds.  At June 30, 2012, the Company had the following deposit mix: 31.3% in savings and MMDA deposits, 14.3% in time deposits, 24.4% in interest-bearing transaction deposits and 30.0% in non-interest-bearing transaction deposits.  At December 31, 2011, the Company had the following deposit mix: 30.9% in savings and MMDA deposits, 15.7% in time deposits, 23.7% in interest-bearing transaction deposits and 29.7% in non-interest-bearing transaction deposits.  Non-interest-bearing transaction deposits increase the Company’s net interest income by lowering its cost of funds.

The Company obtains deposits primarily from the communities it serves.  The Company believes that no material portion of its deposits has been obtained from or is dependent on any one person or industry.  The Company accepts deposits in excess of $100,000 from customers.  These deposits are priced to remain competitive.

Maturities of time certificates of deposits of $100,000 or more outstanding at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 are summarized as follows:

   
(in thousands)
 
   
June 30, 2012
   
December 31, 2011
 
Three months or less
  $ 20,577     $ 24,823  
Over three to twelve months
    34,429       37,170  
Over twelve months
    6,043       5,896  
Total
  $ 61,049     $ 67,889  

The decrease in time certificates of deposit (CD's) of $100,000 or more is primarily attributable to the maturities of time deposits.


Liquidity and Capital Resources

In order to serve our market area, the Company must maintain adequate liquidity and adequate capital.  Liquidity is measured by various ratios, in management’s opinion, the most common being the ratio of net loans to deposits (including loans held-for-sale).  This ratio was 64.2% on June 30, 2012.  In addition, on June 30, 2012, the Company had the following short-term investments:  $3,022,000 in securities due within one year or less; and $16,110,000 in securities due in one to five years.

To meet unanticipated funding requirements, the Company maintains short-term unsecured lines of credit with other banks totaling $36,000,000 at June 30, 2012; additionally, the Company has a line of credit with the Federal Home Loan Bank (the “FHLB”), with a borrowing capacity at June 30, 2012 of $143,875,000.  The line of credit with FHLB is secured under terms of a blanket collateral agreement by a pledge of FHLB stock and certain other qualifying collateral such as commercial and mortgage loans.

The Company’s primary source of liquidity on a stand-alone basis is dividends from the Bank.  Dividends from the Bank are subject to regulatory restrictions.


As of June 30, 2012, the Bank’s capital ratios exceeded applicable regulatory requirements.  The following table presents the capital ratios for the Bank, compared to the regulatory standards for well-capitalized depository institutions, as of June 30, 2012.

   
(amounts in thousands except percentage amounts)
 
   
Actual
   
Well Capitalized
 
               
Ratio
 
   
Capital
   
Ratio
   
Requirement
 
Leverage
  $ 79,138       10.08 %     5.0 %
Tier 1 Risk-Based
  $ 79,138       16.53 %     6.0 %
Total Risk-Based
  $ 85,178       17.79 %     10.0 %
 
 
 
53

 
ITEM 3. – QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
The Company believes that there have been no material changes in the quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk as of June 30, 2012, from those presented in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, which are incorporated by reference herein.
 
ITEM 4. – CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a)  We maintain “disclosure controls and procedures,” as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that disclosure controls and procedures, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the disclosure controls and procedures are met. Our disclosure controls and procedures have been designed to meet reasonable assurance standards. Additionally, in designing disclosure controls and procedures, our management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible disclosure controls and procedures. The design of any disclosure controls and procedures also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions.  Our Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer) have concluded that the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of June 30, 2012.  This conclusion is based on an evaluation conducted under the supervision and with the participation of management.

(b)  During the quarter ended June 30, 2012, there were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.
 
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1. – LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Neither the Company nor the Bank is a party to any material pending legal proceeding, nor is any of their property the subject of any material pending legal proceeding, except ordinary routine litigation arising in the ordinary course of the Bank’s business and incidental to its business, none of which is expected to have a material adverse impact upon the Company’s or the Bank’s business, financial position or results of operations.
 
ITEM 1A. – RISK FACTORS

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the risk factors set forth in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results and the following information:

 
The failure of the European Union to stabilize the fiscal condition and creditworthiness of its weaker member economies, such as Greece, Portugal, Spain, Hungary, Ireland, and Italy, could have international implications potentially impacting global financial institutions, the financial markets, and the economic recovery underway in the U.S.
 
Certain European Union member states have fiscal obligations greater than their fiscal revenue, which has caused investor concern over such countries ability to continue to service their debt and foster economic growth. Currently, the European debt crisis has caused credit spreads to widen in the fixed income debt markets, and liquidity to be less abundant. A weaker European economy may transcend Europe, cause investors to lose confidence in the safety and soundness of European financial institutions and the stability of European member economies, and likewise affect U.S.-based financial institutions, the stability of the global financial markets and the economic recovery underway in the U.S. Should the U.S. economic recovery be adversely impacted by these factors, loan and asset growth at U.S. financial institutions, like us, could be affected.

 
54

 
ITEM 2. – UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Not applicable.
 
ITEM 3. – DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
 
Not applicable.
 
ITEM 4. – MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
 
Not applicable.
 
ITEM 5. – OTHER INFORMATION
 
Not applicable.


 
55

 

ITEM 6. – EXHIBITS

 
Exhibit
Number
 
Description of Document
10.1
 
Employment agreement for Louise A. Walker, President and Chief Executive Officer
     
10.2
 
Employment agreement for Jeremiah Z. Smith, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
     
10.3
 
Employment agreement for Patrick S. Day, Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer
     
31.1
 
Rule 13a — 14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer
     
31.2
 
Rule 13a — 14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer
     
32.1*
 
Statement of the Chief Executive Officer under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. Section 1350)
     
32.2*
 
Statement of the Chief Financial Officer under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. Section 1350)
     
101**
 
Pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T, the following financial information from the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2012, is formatted in XBRL interactive data files: (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets; (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income; (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income; (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (iv) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
_____________________
*   In accordance with Item 601(b)(32)(ii) of Regulation S-K and SEC Release No. 34-47986, the certifications furnished in Exhibits 32.1 and 32.2 hereto are deemed to accompany this Form 10-Q and will not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act. Such certifications will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.
 
** In accordance with Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the information furnished in these exhibits will not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act.  Such exhibits will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act or Exchange Act.

 
56

 
 
SIGNATURES
 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

     
FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP
       
Date:
August 9, 2012
By:
/s/  Jeremiah Z. Smith
       
     
Jeremiah Z. Smith, Executive Vice President / Chief Financial Officer
     
(Principal Financial Officer and Duly Authorized Officer)

57
EXHIBIT 10.1

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

This Employment Agreement (this “Agreement”) is entered into as of April 23,2012 by and between FIRST NORTHERN BANK OF DIXON, a California banking corporation (the “Bank”), and Louise A. Walker (the “Executive”).

RECITAL:

The parties desire to set forth the terms of Executive’s employment with the Bank.

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto agree as follows:

1.    Employment .  The Bank hereby employs Executive and Executive hereby accepts employment during the Term of Employment upon the terms and conditions herein set forth.

2.    Term of Employment .  The Bank agrees to continue Executive’s employment, and Executive agrees to remain in employment with the Bank, from April 23,  2012 (the “Commencement Date”) until the earliest of (i) December 31, 2012  or (ii) the date on which Executive’s employment  with the Bank terminates pursuant to Section 7(a), (b), (c), (d), (e) or (f), as applicable (the “Term of Employment”), provided that the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the Term of Employment shall automatically extend for consecutive  one year periods, on and after December 31, 2012, unless either Executive or the Bank notifies the other in writing at least  sixty days  before the end of the then current term that, for any reason, the Executive or the Bank has elected not to extend the term.

3.    Duties .  Executive is employed as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank and, under the direction of the  Board of Directors, shall perform and discharge well and faithfully the duties that may be assigned from time to time by  the Board of Directors in connection with the conduct of the Bank’s business.

4.    Extent of Services .  Executive shall devote Executive’s entire business time, attention, and energies to the business of the Bank during the term of Executive’s employment with the Bank.  The foregoing however, shall not preclude Executive from engaging in appropriate civic, charitable, or religious activities or from devoting a reasonable amount of time to private investments or from serving on boards of directors of other entities, as long as such activities and services do not interfere or conflict with responsibilities to the Bank.

5.    Compensation .

(a)    Salary .  During the Term of Employment, the Bank shall pay Executive a base salary at the annual rate of  $234,600.00  payable in accordance with the standard payroll procedures of the Bank but not less than one time monthly.  Executive’s base salary shall be adjusted annually effective on January 1 of each year to reflect such changes as the Board of Directors  of the Bank determines appropriate, based on Executive’s performance for the most recent performance period.

(b)    Incentive Programs .  During the Term of Employment, Executive shall be entitled to participate in any annual and long-term incentive programs adopted by the Bank and which cover employees in positions comparable to that of Executive.

 
 

 
(c)    Expenses .  Executive shall be entitled to prompt reimbursement of all reasonable business expenses incurred in the performance of Executive’s duties during the Term of Employment, subject to the presentment of appropriate vouchers and receipts in accordance with the Bank’s policies.

6.    Employee Benefits .  During the Term of Employment, Executive shall be entitled to participate in employee benefit plans or programs of the Bank, if any, to the extent that the Executive’s position, tenure, salary, age, health, and other qualifications make Executive eligible to participate, subject to the rules and regulations applicable thereto.

7.    Termination .  Notwithstanding the provisions of Sections 2 hereof, the Term of Employment and Executive’s employment hereunder may be terminated without any breach of this Agreement under the following circumstances:

(a)    Death .  The Term of Employment shall terminate upon Executive’s death.

(b)    Disability .  The Term of Employment shall terminate three (3) months after the Bank gives Executive written notice that it intends to terminate executive’s employment on account of Disability or on such later date as the Bank specifies in such notice.  If Executive resumes the performance of substantially all duties under this Agreement before the termination becomes effective, the notice of intent to terminate shall be deemed to have been revoked.

(c)    Voluntary Termination .  Executive may terminate employment with the Bank at any time by giving the Bank three (3) months’ written notice thereof.  The Term of Employment shall end on the earlier of the last day of the notice period or the last day on which Executive performs services for the Bank.

(d)    Termination for Good Reason .  Executive may terminate employment with the Bank for Good Reason by giving the Bank thirty (30) days’ notice of its alleged breach, including the basis upon which Executive believes the alleged breach constitutes Good Reason and a statement of the Executive’s intent to terminate employment on such basis.  If the Bank cures its breach within the thirty (30) day period following receipt of such notice, Executive shall either rescind Executive’s notice of intent to terminate and continue employment, or terminate employment under Section 8 (c) hereof in which case the Executive’s notice of breach hereunder shall be deemed to satisfy the notice requirement provided for under Section 8 (c) hereof.  If the Bank fails to cure its breach within the thirty (30) day period following receipt of such notice or Executive decides to terminate employment as provided in the final clause of Section 8 (c) hereof, the Term of Employment shall end on the last day of the 30-day period following receipt of such notice.

(e)    Involuntary Termination .  Executive acknowledges and agrees that Executive’s employment is at will.  The Bank reserves the right to terminate Executive’s employment at any time whatsoever with or without cause by giving thirty (30) days’ written notice to Executive thereof.  The Term of Employment shall terminate on the last day of the notice period, but the Bank may require Executive to cease performing services at any time after such notice is given.

(f)    Involuntary Termination for Cause .  The Bank reserves the right to terminate Executive’s employment for Cause.  The Bank shall give Executive written notice of the termination and the reasons therefore.  The Term of Employment shall terminate immediately upon receipt of the notice.

 
 

 
8.    Benefits on Termination of Employment .  If Executive’s employment is terminated during the Term of Employment, the Executive shall be entitled to receive payments and benefits as follows:

(a)    Death; Disability; Voluntary Termination .

(i)   If employment is terminated under Section 7(a), (b), (c), or (f) hereof, Executive shall receive:

(1)   base salary through the date the Term of Employment ends,

(2)   any incentive compensation earned but not yet paid (no incentive compensation will be payable on voluntary termination).

(3)   whatever rights may be specified in Stock Option Agreements with the Executive executed pursuant to the First Northern Community Bancorp Stock Option Plan,

(4)   whatever rights may be specified in Salary Continuation Agreement with the Executive executed pursuant to the First Northern Bank of Dixon Salary Continuation Agreement/Split Dollar Agreements, and

(5)  reimbursement of expenses incurred under Section 5(c) hereof but not yet reimbursed.

(ii)   Except as provided in this Section 8(a) or required by law, all of Executive’s employee benefits and compensation shall cease on the last day on which the Executive performs services as an employee of the Bank.

(b)    Change of Control .

(i)   If, within two years following a Change of Control, Executive’s employment is terminated under the provisions of Section 7(d) or (e) hereof or as a result of the Bank’s election not to extend this Agreement and the Term of Employment pursuant to Section 2 hereof, Executive shall receive:

(1)   250% of the sum of (i) Executive’s annual base salary under Section 5(a) hereof as in effect on the date the Term of Employment ends and (ii) the average of the annual bonuses awarded to Executive by the Bank for the most recent three consecutive years prior to the date the Term of Employment ends,

(2)   any incentive compensation earned but not yet paid, and

(3)   any expenses incurred under Section 5(c) hereof but not yet reimbursed.

(4)   outplacement assistance.

(ii)      The payment to which Executive is entitled pursuant to Section 8(b)(i)(1) shall be paid in a single installment within forty-five (45) days of termination with no percent value or other discount.

(iii)                 Upon Termination of Employment within two years following a Change of Control, Executive (and, where applicable, Executive’s dependents) shall be entitled to continuation coverage (as provided in the plans in accordance with the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 and California's Cal-COBRA provisions) under the group insurance plans maintained by the Bank, including life, disability and health insurance programs, for up to thirty-six (36) months, subject to the terms, conditions and limitations set forth in such plans.  For a period up to the first twenty-four (24) months of continuation coverage, the Bank shall pay the same portion of group insurance premiums for the Executive’s continued coverage as is paid for other executives who are current employees.  If the Executive becomes eligible for comparable group insurance coverage in connection with new employment, the Bank shall no longer be responsible for the cost of continuation coverage.  Beginning with the twenty-fifth (25th) month of continuation coverage, coverage may be continued at the Executive's own expense.

 
 

 
(iv)                 Delayed Payments to Specified Employees.  If the Executive is a Specified Employee (as defined in section 10(f)) as of the date of Termination of Employment, benefit payments under this subsection shall be delayed and shall not begin prior to the date that is six months after Termination of Employment (or, if earlier than the end of the six-month period, the date of death of the Executive).  Payments to which the Executive would otherwise be entitled during the first six months following Termination of Employment, but for this provision, shall be accumulated and paid on the first day of the seventh month following Termination of Employment.


(v)   Except as provided in this Section 8(b) or required by law, all of Executive’s employee benefits and compensation shall cease on the last day on which she performs services as an employee of the Bank.

(vi)   Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment or benefit contemplated by this Section 8(b) (whether by seeking new employment or otherwise) and no such payment or benefit shall be reduced by earnings that Executive may receive from any other source.

(vii)   In the event of a Change in Control of the Bank during the period Executive remains in Service, all shares of restricted stock and stock options which are unvested as of the effective date of such Change in Control shall immediately become vested.  For the purposes hereof, a “Change in Control” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(b) of the First Northern Community Bancorp 2006 Stock Option Plan.

(viii)   If employment is terminated due to a Change in Control of the Bank the Executive shall receive whatever rights may be specified pursuant to the First Northern Bank of Dixon Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan.

(c)    Involuntary Termination; Termination for Good Reason .

(i)   If Executive’s employment is terminated under the provisions of Section 7(d) or (e) hereof and such termination is not within two years following a Change of Control, Executive shall receive:

(1)  
 150% of the sum of (i) Executive’s annual base salary under Section 5(a) as in effect on the date the Term of Employment ends; and (ii) the average of the annual bonuses awarded to the Executive by the Bank for the three most recent consecutive years prior to the date the Term of Employment ends.  The payment shall be made by the Bank in a single installment within forty-five (45) days of termination with no percent value or other discount.

(2)   any incentive compensation earned but not yet paid,

 
 

 
(3)   whatever rights may be specified in Stock Option Agreements with the Executive  executed pursuant to the First Northern Community Bancorp Stock Option Plan.  It being understood that the definition of Change of Control set forth in such Stock Option Agreement may differ from that set forth herein,

(4)   whatever rights may be specified in Salary Continuation Agreement with the Executive executed pursuant to the First Northern Bank of Dixon Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan, and

(5)   reimbursement of expenses incurred under Section 5(c) hereof but not yet reimbursed.

(ii)      Upon Termination of Employment under Section 7(d) or (e), Executive (and, where applicable, Executive’s dependents) shall be entitled to continuation coverage (as provided in the plans in accordance with the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 and California's Cal-COBRA provisions) under the group insurance plans maintained by the Bank, including life, disability and health insurance programs, for up to thirty-six (36) months, subject to the terms, conditions and limitations set forth in such plans.  During the first eighteen (18) months of continuation coverage, the Bank shall pay the same portion of group insurance premiums for the Executive’s continued coverage as is paid for other executives who are current employees.  If the Executive becomes eligible for comparable group insurance coverage in connection with new employment, the Bank shall no longer be responsible for the cost of continuation coverage.  Beginning with the nineteenth (19th) month of continuation coverage, coverage may be continued at the Executive's own expense.


(iii)   Except as provided in this Section 8(c) or required by law, all of Executive’s employee benefits and compensation shall cease on the last day on which Executive performs services as an employee of the Bank.

(iv)   Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment or benefit contemplated by this Section 8(c) (whether by seeking new employment or otherwise) and no such payment or benefit shall be reduced by earnings that Executive may receive from any other source.

(v)      Delayed Payments to Specified Employees.  If the Executive is a Specified Employee (as defined in section 10(f)) as of the date of Termination of Employment, benefit payments under this section shall be delayed and shall not begin prior to the date that is six months after Termination of Employment (or, if earlier than the end of the six-month period, the date of death of the Executive).  Payments to which the Executive would otherwise be entitled during the first six months following Termination of Employment, but for this provision, shall be accumulated and paid on the first day of the seventh month following Termination of Employment.


 
9.    Excess Parachute Payments.   Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, in the event it shall be determined that any payment or distribution by the Bank or otherwise to or for the benefit of the Executive would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Code Section 4999 or any interest or penalties are incurred by the Executive with respect to such excise tax (collectively referred to as the “Excise Tax”), then no additional amounts shall be payable by the Bank to the Executive (i.e., no “Gross-Up Payment” shall be made) and the Executive shall be responsible for the Excise Tax.

 
 

 
 
(a)  If Excise Tax is imposed as described above and the Excise Tax can be avoided or eliminated by reducing any amounts payable to the Executive under this Agreement by 20% or less, then the amounts payable to the Executive shall be reduced by the amount necessary to avoid or eliminate the Excise Tax.

10.   Definition of Terms .  The following terms used in this Agreement when capitalized have the following meanings:

(a)   “ Board of Directors ”  means the Bank’s board of directors.

(b)   “ Cause ”  means that Executive has:

(i)   willfully breached or habitually neglected or breached the duties which the Executive was required to perform under the terms of this Agreement or the policies of the Bank or

(ii)   committed act(s) of dishonesty, theft, embezzlement, fraud, misrepresentation, or other act(s) of moral turpitude against the Bank, its subsidiaries or affiliates, its shareholders, or its employees or which adversely impact the interest of the Bank.

 
(c)
"Change of Control" means the occurrence of any of the following events with respect to the Bank or its parent holding Company, First Northern Community Bancorp (“Bancorp”):

 
(i)
Merger : A merger into or consolidation with another corporation, or merger of another corporation into Bank or Bancorp, and as a result less than 50% of the combined voting power of the resulting corporation immediately after the merger or consolidation is held by persons who were stockholders of Bank or Bancorp immediately before the merger or consolidation;

 
(ii)
Acquisition of Significant Share Ownership :  One person, or more than one person acting as a group, acquires (or has acquired during the twelve (12) month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) ownership of stock possessing thirty percent (30%) or more of the total voting power of the stock of Bank or Bancorp (this constitutes acquisition of “Effective Control”).  No Change of Control shall occur if additional voting shares are acquired by a person or persons who possessed Effective Control prior to acquiring additional shares.  This subpart (b) shall not apply to beneficial ownership of voting shares held in a fiduciary capacity by an entity of which Bank or Bancorp directly or indirectly beneficially owns 50% or more of the outstanding voting securities, or voting shares held by an employee benefit plan maintained for the benefit of the Bank’s employees.

 
(iii)
Change in Board Composition :  A majority of the members of the Board of Directors of Bank or Bancorp is replaced during any 12-month period by directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Board of Directors of Bank or Bancorp before the date of the appointment or election.  This subparagraph shall only apply with respect to Bancorp if no other corporation is a majority shareholder of Bancorp.
 

 
 
 

 
A Change of Control shall only occur with respect to Bancorp if Bancorp (i) is a majority shareholder of the Bank; (ii) is a majority shareholder of any corporation in a chain of corporations in which each corporation is a majority shareholder of another corporation in the chain, ending in the Bank; or (iii) is otherwise a "Relevant Corporation" as that term is used and defined in Section 409A.  For purposes of this section, majority shareholder means a shareholder owning more than 50% of the total fair market value and total voting power of the Bank, Bancorp, or a corporation in the chain referenced above.  No Change of Control shall occur unless the event constitutes a "Change in the Ownership of a Corporation" or a "Change in the Effective Control of a Corporation" as defined under Section 409A.


(d)  “Disability”  means Executive (i) is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months; or (ii) is, by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than 3 months under an accident and health plan covering Bank employees.

(e)   “ Good Reason ”  means any of (i) a material reduction in Executive’s compensation under Section 5 hereof or benefits under Section 7 hereof, (ii) a material reduction in the Executive’s title or responsibilities, (iii) a relocation of Executive’s principal office so that Executive’s one-way commute distance from Executive’s residence is increased by more than forty (40) miles or (iv) failure of the Bank’s successor to assume and perform this Agreement as contemplated by Section 14(a) hereof.

(f)  “Specified Employee” – If the Executive is a Key Employee (defined below) of the Bank or any entity that is aggregated with the Bank under Code section 414(b) or (c) as of December 31 st of any year (the “Determination Date”), and the Bank (or any entity that is aggregated with the Bank under Code section 414(b) or (c)) has stock that is publicly traded on an established securities market or otherwise, the Executive shall be treated as a Specified Employee during the 12-month period beginning on the April 1 st following the Determination Date.  An Executive is a Key Employee as of a Determination Date if the Executive meets the requirements of Code section 416(i)(1)(A)(i), (ii), or (iii) (applied in accordance with the regulations thereunder and disregarding section 416(i)(5)) at any time during the twelve months preceding the Determination Date.

(g)  "Termination of Employment" means that the Executive shall have ceased to be employed by the Bank for any reason whatsoever and that the Executive actually separates from service with the Bank and does not continue in his or her prior capacity.  Termination of employment does not include the Executive’s military leave, sick leave or other bona fide leave of absence (such as temporary employment with the government) if the period of leave does not exceed six months, or if longer, so long as the Executive’s right to reemployment with the Bank is provided either in contract or statute.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, the terms "termination of employment," "terminates employment" and "employment termination" shall be interpreted consistently with Section 409A.


11.    Locations of Performance .  Executive’s services shall be performed primarily within the counties in California in which the Bank has located its headquarters, branch offices or other facilities .  The parties acknowledge, however, that Executive may be required to travel in connection with the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder.

 
 

 
12.    Proprietary Information .

(a)   Executive agrees to comply fully with the Bank’s policies relating to non-disclosure of the Bank’s trade secrets and proprietary information and processes, including information regarding the Bank’s customers and prospective customers.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Executive will not, during the term of Executive’s employment by the Bank, disclose any such secrets, information, or processes to any person, firm, corporation, association, or other entity for any reason or purpose whatsoever, nor shall Executive make use of any such property for Executive’s own purposes or for the benefit of any person, firm, corporation, or other entity (except the Bank) under any circumstances during or after the term of Executive’s employment, provided that after the term of Executive’s employment, this provision shall not apply to secrets, information, and processes that are then in the public domain (provided that Executive was not responsible, directly or indirectly, for such secrets, information, or processes entering the public domain without the Bank’s consent).

(b)   Executive hereby sells, transfers, and assigns to the Bank all of the entire right, title, and interest of Executive in and to all inventions, ideas, disclosures, and improvements, whether patented or unpatented, and copyrightable material, to the extent made or conceived by Executive, solely or jointly, during the term of this Agreement, except to the extent prohibited by Section 2870 of the California Labor Code, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A.  Executive shall communicate promptly and disclose to the Bank, in such form as the Bank requests, all information, details, and data pertaining to the aforementioned inventions, ideas, disclosures, and improvements; and, whether during the term hereof or thereafter, Executive shall execute and deliver to the Bank such formal transfers and assignments and such other papers and documents as may be required of Executive to permit the Bank to file and prosecute any patent applications relating to such inventions, ideas, disclosures, and improvements and, as to copyrightable material, to obtain copyright thereon.

(c)   Trade secrets, proprietary information, and processes shall not be deemed to include information which is:

(i)   known to Executive at the time of the disclosure;

(ii)   publicly known (or becomes publicly known) without the fault or negligence of Executive;

(iii)   received from a third party without restriction and without breach of this Agreement;

(iv)   approved for release by written authorization of the Bank; or

(v)   required to be disclosed by law; provided, however, that in the event of a proposed disclosure pursuant to this subsection 12(c)(v), the recipient shall give the Bank prior written notice before such disclosure is made.

(d)   Executive agrees that in the event that Executive’s employment terminates for any reason, Executive shall promptly deliver to the Bank all property belonging to the Bank, including all documents and materials of any nature pertaining to Executive’s employment with the Bank.

 
 

 
13.    Employment Taxes .  All payments made pursuant to this Agreement shall be subject to withholding of applicable taxes.

14.    Successors .

(a)    Bank’s Successors .  The Bank shall require any successor to all or substantially all of the Bank’s business and/or assets and liabilities (whether by purchase, merger, consolidation, reorganization, liquidation or otherwise) to assume and expressly agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent as the Bank would be required to perform if there were no succession.  The Bank’s failure to obtain an assumption agreement in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Executive by the effective date of such succession shall constitute a breach of the Bank’s obligations to Executive under this Agreement as of the effective date of such succession and shall entitle Executive to all of the payments and other benefits described in Section 8(b) hereof.

(b)    Executive’s Successors .  This Agreement and all rights of the Executive hereunder shall inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by, Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees, it being agreed by Executive that Executive cannot assign or make subject to an option any of Executive’s rights, including rights to payments and benefits, under this Agreement

15.    Notices .  Any notice required or permitted to be given under this Agreement shall be sufficient if in writing and sent by registered mail to Executive at Executive’s residence maintained on the Bank’s records, or to the Bank at its executive offices, or such other addresses as either party shall notify the other in accordance with the above procedure.

16.    Force Majeure .  Neither party shall be liable to the other for any delay or failure to perform hereunder, which delay or failure is due to causes beyond the control of said party, including, but not limited to:  acts of God; acts of the public enemy; acts of the United States of America, or any State, territory, or political subdivision thereto or of the District of Columbia; fires; floods; epidemics; quarantine restrictions; strikes; or freight embargoes.  Notwithstanding, the foregoing provisions of this Section 16, in every case the delay or failure to perform must be beyond the control and without the fault or negligence of the party claiming excusable delay.

17.    Integration .  This Agreement and any attachments, schedules, and exhibits hereto represent the entire agreement and understanding between the parties as to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior or contemporaneous agreements, whether written or oral regarding Executive’s employment at the Bank and all rights, privileges and benefits related thereto.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Executive acknowledges and agrees that effective on the Commencement Date, the terms and conditions of this Agreement will supplant any different terms and conditions that previously existed or governed Executive’s employment with the Bank.  No waiver, alteration, or modification of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be binding unless in writing and signed by duly authorized representatives of the parties hereto.

18.    Waiver .  Failure or delay on the part of either party hereto to enforce any right, power, or privilege hereunder shall not be deemed to constitute a waiver thereof.  Additionally, a waiver by either party of a breach of any promise hereof by the other party shall not operate as or be construed to constitute a waiver of any subsequent waiver by such other party.

 
 

 
19.    Savings Clause .  If any term, covenant, or condition of this Agreement or the application thereof to any person or circumstance shall to any extent be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement, or the application of such term, covenant, or condition to persons or circumstances other than those as to which it is held invalid or unenforceable, shall not be affected thereby and each term, covenant, or condition of this Agreement shall be valid and enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law.

20.    Authority to Contract .  The Bank warrants and represents that it has full authority to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and that this Agreement is not in conflict with any other agreement to which the Bank is a party or by which it may be bound.  The Bank further warrants and represents that the individuals executing this Agreement on behalf of the Bank have the full power and authority to bind the Bank to the terms hereof and have been authorized to do so in accordance with the Bank’s corporate organization.

21.    Dispute Resolution .

(a)   Any controversy or claim between Bank and Executive arising from or relating to this Agreement or any agreement or instrument delivered under or in connection with this Agreement, including any alleged dispute, breach, default, or misrepresentation in connection with any of the provisions of this Agreement, shall, at the option of Executive or Bank, be submitted to arbitration, using either the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) or Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services, Inc. (“JAMS”)  in accordance with the rules of either JAMS or AAA (at the option of the party initiating the arbitration) and Title 9 of the U.S. Code.  All statutes of limitations or any waivers contained herein which would otherwise be applicable shall apply to any arbitration proceeding under this Section 21(a).  The parties agree that related arbitration proceedings may be consolidated.  The arbitrator shall prepare written reasons for the award.  Judgment upon the award rendered may be entered in any court having jurisdiction.

(b)   No provision of, or the exercise of any rights under, Section 21(a) hereof shall limit the right of any party to exercise self help remedies or to obtain provisional or ancillary remedies, such as injunctive relief from a court having jurisdiction before, during or after the pendency of any arbitration.  The institution and maintenance of an action for judicial relief or pursuit of provisional or ancillary remedies or exercise of self help remedies shall not constitute a waiver of the right of any party, including the plaintiff, to submit the controversy or claim to arbitration.

(c)   If any arbitration, legal action or other proceeding is brought for the enforcement of this Agreement or any agreement or instrument delivered under or in connection with this Agreement, or because of an alleged dispute, breach, default, or misrepresentation in connection with any of the provisions of this Agreement, the successful or prevailing party or parties shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorneys’ fees and other costs incurred in that action or proceeding, in addition to any other relief to which it or they may be entitled.

22.    Remedies .  In the event of a breach by Executive of Sections 10 or 12 of this Agreement,  in addition to other remedies provided by applicable law, the Bank will be entitled to issuance of a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction enforcing its rights under such Sections.

23.    Governing Law .  This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California.

 
 

 
24.    Counterparts .  This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

25.    Advice of Counsel .  Before signing this Agreement, Executive either (i) consulted with and obtained advice from Executive’s independent legal counsel in respect to the legal nature and operation of this Agreement, including its impact on executive’s rights, privileges and obligations, or (ii) freely and voluntarily decided not to have the benefit of such consultation and advice with legal counsel.

26.   Prohibition Against Changes to Time and Form of Payment .  Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the payment date(s) and form(s) of payment for benefits payable at a specific time, upon the occurrence of a specified event, or in a specified form may not be changed unless such change is permitted under this Agreement, Section 409A, and other applicable law.

27.   Unfunded Arrangement . The Executive and his beneficiary(ies) are general unsecured creditors of the Bank for the payment of deferred compensation benefits under this Agreement. The benefits represent a promise to pay by the Bank.  The rights to these benefits are not subject in any manner to anticipation, alienation, sale, transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance, attachment, or garnishment by creditors.

The deferred compensation benefits provided under this Agreement are intended to constitute an unfunded arrangement maintained by the Bank primarily for the purpose of providing deferred compensation for a member of a select group of management or highly compensated employees, as described in sections 201(2), 301(a)(3) and 401(a)(1) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).  This Agreement shall at all times be construed and interpreted consistently with ERISA to be such an arrangement and consistently with the requirements of Section 409A, as amended from time to time.

28. Non-Solicitation .  Following termination of this Agreement and the Executive’s employment and for a period of twelve (12) months thereafter, the Executive shall not solicit, encourage or assist, directly, indirectly or in any other manner whatsoever, (i) any employees of the Bank or First Northern Community Bancorp, or their affiliates and subsidiaries such employment within a twelve (12) month period prior to the Executive’s termination of employment with the Bank or First Northern Community Bancorp to resign or to apply for or accept employment with any other competitive banking or financial services businesses within the counties in California in which the Bank has located its headquarters, branch offices or other facilities; or (ii) any customer, person or entity that has a business relationship with the Bank, or during the twelve (12) month period prior to the Executive’s termination of employment was engaged in a business relationship with the Bank, to terminate such business relationship and engage in a business relationship with any other competitive banking or financial services business within the counties in California in which the Bank has located its headquarters, branch offices or other facilities. Failure to comply with the foregoing provisions shall void this agreement, resulting in the forfeiture of severance payments and benefits coverage.

29.   Delay or Forfeiture of Benefits Payable Following Regulatory Action .
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan or any Participation Agreement to the contrary, the payment of any Executive Benefit shall be delayed or the Executive Benefit shall be forfeited on or after the occurrence of or as a result of any of the following events:
 
(a).      Temporary Suspension or Prohibition .  If a Participant is suspended and/or temporarily prohibited from participating in the conduct of the Bank’s affairs by a notice served under Section 8(e)(3) or (g)(1) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (“FDIA”), 12 U.S.C.  § 1818(e)(3) and (g)(1), no Executive Benefit shall be paid to that Participant.  If the charges in the notice are dismissed, any Executive Benefit that would have been payable during the suspension or temporary prohibition shall be paid as soon as reasonably practicable, in accordance with the Plan.
 
 
 

 
(b).      Permanent Suspension or Prohibition .  If a Participant is removed and/or permanently prohibited from participating in the conduct of the Bank’s affairs by an order issued under Section 8(e)(4) or (g)(1) of the FDIA, 12 U.S.C. § 1818(e)(4) and (g)(1), the Executive Benefit payable to the Participant (or which may become payable to the Participant in the future) and all rights under the Plan shall be immediately forfeited and the Participant shall not be entitled to the Executive Benefit.
 
(c).      Default .  If the Bank is in default (as defined in Section 3(x)(1) of the FDIA), the Executive Benefit payable to all Participants (or which may become payable to Participants in the future) and all rights under the Plan shall be immediately forfeited and the Participants shall not be entitled to the Executive Benefit.  In this event, the Plan shall terminate as of the date of default.
 
(d).      Termination by Regulators . The Executive Benefit payable to all Participants (or which may become payable to Participants in the future) and all rights under the Plan shall be forfeited, except to the extent determined that continuation of this Plan is necessary for the continued operation of the Bank: (i) at the time the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) enters into an agreement to provide assistance to or on behalf of the Bank under the authority contained in Section 13(c) of the FDIA; or (ii) by the FDIC, at the time it approves a supervisory merger to resolve problems related to the operation of the Bank.
 
In addition, the payment of any and all Executive Benefits under this Plan shall be subject to and conditioned upon compliance with 12 U.S.C. Section 1828(k) and any regulations promulgated thereunder, and any Executive Benefits and rights under the Plan shall be forfeited to the extent barred or prohibited by an action or order issued by the California Department of Financial Institutions, the FDIC, or any government agency which has jurisdiction over the Bank.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF,  the parties hereto have executed this Agreement effective as of the day herein first above written.




FIRST NORTHERN BANK OF DIXON


_________________________
Chairman of Board



EXECUTIVE


_________________________
Louise A. Walker,
President & Chief Executive Officer

 
 

 
Exhibit A  -  California Labor Code Section 2870

EXHIBIT A


CALIFORNIA LABOR CODE SECTION 2870


Section 2870.  Application of provision providing that employee shall assign or offer to assign rights in invention to employer.

(a)         Any provision in an employment agreement which provides that an employee shall assign, or offer to assign, any of his or her rights in an invention to his or her employer shall not apply to an invention that the employee developed entirely on his or her own time without using the employer’s equipment, supplies, facilities, or trade secret information except for those inventions that either;

(i)         Relate at the time of conception or reduction to practice of the invention to the employer’s business, or actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development of the employer.

(ii)         Result from any work performed by the employee for the employer.

(b)         To the extent a provision in an employment agreement purports to require an employee to assign an invention otherwise excluded from being required to be assigned under subdivision (a), the provision is against the public policy of this state and is unenforceable.
EXHIBIT 10.2

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

This Employment Agreement (this “Agreement”) is entered into as of April 23, 2012 by and between FIRST NORTHERN BANK OF DIXON, a California banking corporation (the “Bank”), and Jeremiah Z. Smith (the “Executive”).

RECITAL:

The parties desire to set forth the terms of Executive’s employment with the Bank.

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto agree as follows:

1.    Employment .  The Bank hereby employs Executive and Executive hereby accepts employment during the Term of Employment upon the terms and conditions herein set forth.

2.    Term of Employment .  The Bank agrees to continue Executive’s employment, and Executive agrees to remain in employment with the Bank, from April 23,  2012 (the “Commencement Date”) until the earliest of (i) December 31, 2012  or (ii) the date on which Executive’s employment  with the Bank terminates pursuant to Section 7(a), (b), (c), (d), (e) or (f), as applicable (the “Term of Employment”), provided that the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the Term of Employment shall automatically extend for consecutive  one year periods, on and after December 31, 2012, unless either Executive or the Bank notifies the other in writing at least  sixty days  before the end of the then current term that, for any reason, the Executive or the Bank has elected not to extend the term.

3.    Duties .  Executive is employed as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank and, under the direction of the  Board of Directors, shall perform and discharge well and faithfully the duties that may be assigned from time to time by  the Board of Directors in connection with the conduct of the Bank’s business.

4.    Extent of Services .  Executive shall devote Executive’s entire business time, attention, and energies to the business of the Bank during the term of Executive’s employment with the Bank.  The foregoing however, shall not preclude Executive from engaging in appropriate civic, charitable, or religious activities or from devoting a reasonable amount of time to private investments or from serving on boards of directors of other entities, as long as such activities and services do not interfere or conflict with responsibilities to the Bank.

5.    Compensation .

(a)    Salary .  During the Term of Employment, the Bank shall pay Executive a base salary at the annual rate of $148,000.00  payable in accordance with the standard payroll procedures of the Bank but not less than one time monthly.  Executive’s base salary shall be adjusted annually effective on January 1 of each year to reflect such changes as the Board of Directors  of the Bank determines appropriate, based on Executive’s performance for the most recent performance period.

(b)    Incentive Programs .  During the Term of Employment, Executive shall be entitled to participate in any annual and long-term incentive programs adopted by the Bank and which cover employees in positions comparable to that of Executive.

 
 

 
(c)    Expenses .  Executive shall be entitled to prompt reimbursement of all reasonable business expenses incurred in the performance of Executive’s duties during the Term of Employment, subject to the presentment of appropriate vouchers and receipts in accordance with the Bank’s policies.

6.    Employee Benefits .  During the Term of Employment, Executive shall be entitled to participate in employee benefit plans or programs of the Bank, if any, to the extent that the Executive’s position, tenure, salary, age, health, and other qualifications make Executive eligible to participate, subject to the rules and regulations applicable thereto.

7.    Termination .  Notwithstanding the provisions of Sections 2 hereof, the Term of Employment and Executive’s employment hereunder may be terminated without any breach of this Agreement under the following circumstances:

(a)    Death .  The Term of Employment shall terminate upon Executive’s death.

(b)    Disability .  The Term of Employment shall terminate three (3) months after the Bank gives Executive written notice that it intends to terminate executive’s employment on account of Disability or on such later date as the Bank specifies in such notice.  If Executive resumes the performance of substantially all duties under this Agreement before the termination becomes effective, the notice of intent to terminate shall be deemed to have been revoked.

(c)    Voluntary Termination .  Executive may terminate employment with the Bank at any time by giving the Bank three (3) months’ written notice thereof.  The Term of Employment shall end on the earlier of the last day of the notice period or the last day on which Executive performs services for the Bank.

(d)    Termination for Good Reason .  Executive may terminate employment with the Bank for Good Reason by giving the Bank thirty (30) days’ notice of its alleged breach, including the basis upon which Executive believes the alleged breach constitutes Good Reason and a statement of the Executive’s intent to terminate employment on such basis.  If the Bank cures its breach within the thirty (30) day period following receipt of such notice, Executive shall either rescind Executive’s notice of intent to terminate and continue employment, or terminate employment under Section 8 (c) hereof in which case the Executive’s notice of breach hereunder shall be deemed to satisfy the notice requirement provided for under Section 8 (c) hereof.  If the Bank fails to cure its breach within the thirty (30) day period following receipt of such notice or Executive decides to terminate employment as provided in the final clause of Section 8 (c) hereof, the Term of Employment shall end on the last day of the 30-day period following receipt of such notice.

(e)    Involuntary Termination .  Executive acknowledges and agrees that Executive’s employment is at will.  The Bank reserves the right to terminate Executive’s employment at any time whatsoever with or without cause by giving thirty (30) days’ written notice to Executive thereof.  The Term of Employment shall terminate on the last day of the notice period, but the Bank may require Executive to cease performing services at any time after such notice is given.

(f)    Involuntary Termination for Cause .  The Bank reserves the right to terminate Executive’s employment for Cause.  The Bank shall give Executive written notice of the termination and the reasons therefore.  The Term of Employment shall terminate immediately upon receipt of the notice.

 
 

 
8.    Benefits on Termination of Employment .  If Executive’s employment is terminated during the Term of Employment, the Executive shall be entitled to receive payments and benefits as follows:

(a)    Death; Disability; Voluntary Termination .

(i)   If employment is terminated under Section 7(a), (b), (c), or (f) hereof, Executive shall receive:

(1)   base salary through the date the Term of Employment ends,

(2)   any incentive compensation earned but not yet paid (no incentive compensation will be payable on voluntary termination).

(3)   whatever rights may be specified in Stock Option Agreements with the Executive executed pursuant to the First Northern Community Bancorp Stock Option Plan,

(4)   whatever rights may be specified in Salary Continuation Agreement with the Executive executed pursuant to the First Northern Bank of Dixon Salary Continuation Agreement/Split Dollar Agreements, and

(5)  reimbursement of expenses incurred under Section 5(c) hereof but not yet reimbursed.

(ii)   Except as provided in this Section 8(a) or required by law, all of Executive’s employee benefits and compensation shall cease on the last day on which the Executive performs services as an employee of the Bank.

(b)    Change of Control .

(i)   If, within two years following a Change of Control, Executive’s employment is terminated under the provisions of Section 7(d) or (e) hereof or as a result of the Bank’s election not to extend this Agreement and the Term of Employment pursuant to Section 2 hereof, Executive shall receive:

(1)   200% of the sum of (i) Executive’s annual base salary under Section 5(a) hereof as in effect on the date the Term of Employment ends and (ii) the average of the annual bonuses awarded to Executive by the Bank for the most recent three consecutive years prior to the date the Term of Employment ends,

(2)   any incentive compensation earned but not yet paid, and

(3)   any expenses incurred under Section 5(c) hereof but not yet reimbursed.

(4)   outplacement assistance.

(ii)      The payment to which Executive is entitled pursuant to Section 8(b)(i)(1) shall be paid in a single installment within forty-five (45) days of termination with no percent value or other discount.

(iii)                 Upon Termination of Employment within two years following a Change of Control, Executive (and, where applicable, Executive’s dependents) shall be entitled to continuation coverage (as provided in the plans in accordance with the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 and California's Cal-COBRA provisions) under the group insurance plans maintained by the Bank, including life, disability and health insurance programs, for up to thirty-six (36) months, subject to the terms, conditions and limitations set forth in such plans.  For a period up to the first twenty-four (24) months of continuation coverage, the Bank shall pay the same portion of group insurance premiums for the Executive’s continued coverage as is paid for other executives who are current employees.  If the Executive becomes eligible for comparable group insurance coverage in connection with new employment, the Bank shall no longer be responsible for the cost of continuation coverage.  Beginning with the twenty-fifth (25th) month of continuation coverage, coverage may be continued at the Executive's own expense.

 
 

 
(iv)                 Delayed Payments to Specified Employees.  If the Executive is a Specified Employee (as defined in section 10(f)) as of the date of Termination of Employment, benefit payments under this subsection shall be delayed and shall not begin prior to the date that is six months after Termination of Employment (or, if earlier than the end of the six-month period, the date of death of the Executive).  Payments to which the Executive would otherwise be entitled during the first six months following Termination of Employment, but for this provision, shall be accumulated and paid on the first day of the seventh month following Termination of Employment.


(v)   Except as provided in this Section 8(b) or required by law, all of Executive’s employee benefits and compensation shall cease on the last day on which he performs services as an employee of the Bank.

(vi)   Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment or benefit contemplated by this Section 8(b) (whether by seeking new employment or otherwise) and no such payment or benefit shall be reduced by earnings that Executive may receive from any other source.

(vii)   In the event of a Change in Control of the Bank during the period Executive remains in Service, all shares of restricted stock and stock options which are unvested as of the effective date of such Change in Control shall immediately become vested.  For the purposes hereof, a “Change in Control” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(b) of the First Northern Community Bancorp 2006 Stock Option Plan.

(viii)   If employment is terminated due to a Change in Control of the Bank the Executive shall receive whatever rights may be specified pursuant to the First Northern Bank of Dixon Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan.

(c)    Involuntary Termination; Termination for Good Reason .

(i)   If Executive’s employment is terminated under the provisions of Section 7(d) or (e) hereof and such termination is not within two years following a Change of Control, Executive shall receive:

(1)  
 100% of the sum of (i) Executive’s annual base salary under Section 5(a) as in effect on the date the Term of Employment ends; and (ii) the average of the annual bonuses awarded to the Executive by the Bank for the three most recent consecutive years prior to the date the Term of Employment ends.  The payment shall be made by the Bank in a single installment within forty-five (45) days of termination with no percent value or other discount.

(2)   any incentive compensation earned but not yet paid,

 
 

 
(3)   whatever rights may be specified in Stock Option Agreements with the Executive  executed pursuant to the First Northern Community Bancorp Stock Option Plan.  It being understood that the definition of Change of Control set forth in such Stock Option Agreement may differ from that set forth herein,

(4)   whatever rights may be specified in Salary Continuation Agreement with the Executive executed pursuant to the First Northern Bank of Dixon Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan, and

(5)   reimbursement of expenses incurred under Section 5(c) hereof but not yet reimbursed.

(ii)      Upon Termination of Employment under Section 7(d) or (e), Executive (and, where applicable, Executive’s dependents) shall be entitled to continuation coverage (as provided in the plans in accordance with the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 and California's Cal-COBRA provisions) under the group insurance plans maintained by the Bank, including life, disability and health insurance programs, for up to thirty-six (36) months, subject to the terms, conditions and limitations set forth in such plans.  During the first eighteen (18) months of continuation coverage, the Bank shall pay the same portion of group insurance premiums for the Executive’s continued coverage as is paid for other executives who are current employees.  If the Executive becomes eligible for comparable group insurance coverage in connection with new employment, the Bank shall no longer be responsible for the cost of continuation coverage.  Beginning with the nineteenth (19th) month of continuation coverage, coverage may be continued at the Executive's own expense.


(iii)   Except as provided in this Section 8(c) or required by law, all of Executive’s employee benefits and compensation shall cease on the last day on which Executive performs services as an employee of the Bank.

(iv)   Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment or benefit contemplated by this Section 8(c) (whether by seeking new employment or otherwise) and no such payment or benefit shall be reduced by earnings that Executive may receive from any other source.

(v)      Delayed Payments to Specified Employees.  If the Executive is a Specified Employee (as defined in section 10(f)) as of the date of Termination of Employment, benefit payments under this section shall be delayed and shall not begin prior to the date that is six months after Termination of Employment (or, if earlier than the end of the six-month period, the date of death of the Executive).  Payments to which the Executive would otherwise be entitled during the first six months following Termination of Employment, but for this provision, shall be accumulated and paid on the first day of the seventh month following Termination of Employment.


 
9.    Excess Parachute Payments.   Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, in the event it shall be determined that any payment or distribution by the Bank or otherwise to or for the benefit of the Executive would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Code Section 4999 or any interest or penalties are incurred by the Executive with respect to such excise tax (collectively referred to as the “Excise Tax”), then no additional amounts shall be payable by the Bank to the Executive (i.e., no “Gross-Up Payment” shall be made) and the Executive shall be responsible for the Excise Tax.

 
 

 
 
(a)  If Excise Tax is imposed as described above and the Excise Tax can be avoided or eliminated by reducing any amounts payable to the Executive under this Agreement by 20% or less, then the amounts payable to the Executive shall be reduced by the amount necessary to avoid or eliminate the Excise Tax.

10.   Definition of Terms .  The following terms used in this Agreement when capitalized have the following meanings:

(a)   “ Board of Directors ”  means the Bank’s board of directors.

(b)   “ Cause ”  means that Executive has:

(i)   willfully breached or habitually neglected or breached the duties which the Executive was required to perform under the terms of this Agreement or the policies of the Bank or

(ii)   committed act(s) of dishonesty, theft, embezzlement, fraud, misrepresentation, or other act(s) of moral turpitude against the Bank, its subsidiaries or affiliates, its shareholders, or its employees or which adversely impact the interest of the Bank.

 
(c)
"Change of Control" means the occurrence of any of the following events with respect to the Bank or its parent holding Company, First Northern Community Bancorp (“Bancorp”):

 
(i)
Merger : A merger into or consolidation with another corporation, or merger of another corporation into Bank or Bancorp, and as a result less than 50% of the combined voting power of the resulting corporation immediately after the merger or consolidation is held by persons who were stockholders of Bank or Bancorp immediately before the merger or consolidation;

 
(ii)
Acquisition of Significant Share Ownership :  One person, or more than one person acting as a group, acquires (or has acquired during the twelve (12) month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) ownership of stock possessing thirty percent (30%) or more of the total voting power of the stock of Bank or Bancorp (this constitutes acquisition of “Effective Control”).  No Change of Control shall occur if additional voting shares are acquired by a person or persons who possessed Effective Control prior to acquiring additional shares.  This subpart (b) shall not apply to beneficial ownership of voting shares held in a fiduciary capacity by an entity of which Bank or Bancorp directly or indirectly beneficially owns 50% or more of the outstanding voting securities, or voting shares held by an employee benefit plan maintained for the benefit of the Bank’s employees.

 
(iii)
Change in Board Composition :  A majority of the members of the Board of Directors of Bank or Bancorp is replaced during any 12-month period by directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Board of Directors of Bank or Bancorp before the date of the appointment or election.  This subparagraph shall only apply with respect to Bancorp if no other corporation is a majority shareholder of Bancorp.

 
 

 
A Change of Control shall only occur with respect to Bancorp if Bancorp (i) is a majority shareholder of the Bank; (ii) is a majority shareholder of any corporation in a chain of corporations in which each corporation is a majority shareholder of another corporation in the chain, ending in the Bank; or (iii) is otherwise a "Relevant Corporation" as that term is used and defined in Section 409A.  For purposes of this section, majority shareholder means a shareholder owning more than 50% of the total fair market value and total voting power of the Bank, Bancorp, or a corporation in the chain referenced above.  No Change of Control shall occur unless the event constitutes a "Change in the Ownership of a Corporation" or a "Change in the Effective Control of a Corporation" as defined under Section 409A.


(d)  “Disability”  means Executive (i) is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months; or (ii) is, by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than 3 months under an accident and health plan covering Bank employees.

(e)   “ Good Reason ”  means any of (i) a material reduction in Executive’s compensation under Section 5 hereof or benefits under Section 7 hereof, (ii) a material reduction in the Executive’s title or responsibilities, (iii) a relocation of Executive’s principal office so that Executive’s one-way commute distance from Executive’s residence is increased by more than forty (40) miles or (iv) failure of the Bank’s successor to assume and perform this Agreement as contemplated by Section 14(a) hereof.

(f)  “Specified Employee” – If the Executive is a Key Employee (defined below) of the Bank or any entity that is aggregated with the Bank under Code section 414(b) or (c) as of December 31 st of any year (the “Determination Date”), and the Bank (or any entity that is aggregated with the Bank under Code section 414(b) or (c)) has stock that is publicly traded on an established securities market or otherwise, the Executive shall be treated as a Specified Employee during the 12-month period beginning on the April 1 st following the Determination Date.  An Executive is a Key Employee as of a Determination Date if the Executive meets the requirements of Code section 416(i)(1)(A)(i), (ii), or (iii) (applied in accordance with the regulations thereunder and disregarding section 416(i)(5)) at any time during the twelve months preceding the Determination Date.

(g)  "Termination of Employment" means that the Executive shall have ceased to be employed by the Bank for any reason whatsoever and that the Executive actually separates from service with the Bank and does not continue in his or her prior capacity.  Termination of employment does not include the Executive’s military leave, sick leave or other bona fide leave of absence (such as temporary employment with the government) if the period of leave does not exceed six months, or if longer, so long as the Executive’s right to reemployment with the Bank is provided either in contract or statute.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, the terms "termination of employment," "terminates employment" and "employment termination" shall be interpreted consistently with Section 409A.


11.    Locations of Performance .  Executive’s services shall be performed primarily within the counties in California in which the Bank has located its headquarters, branch offices or other facilities .  The parties acknowledge, however, that Executive may be required to travel in connection with the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder.

 
 

 
12.    Proprietary Information .

(a)   Executive agrees to comply fully with the Bank’s policies relating to non-disclosure of the Bank’s trade secrets and proprietary information and processes, including information regarding the Bank’s customers and prospective customers.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Executive will not, during the term of Executive’s employment by the Bank, disclose any such secrets, information, or processes to any person, firm, corporation, association, or other entity for any reason or purpose whatsoever, nor shall Executive make use of any such property for Executive’s own purposes or for the benefit of any person, firm, corporation, or other entity (except the Bank) under any circumstances during or after the term of Executive’s employment, provided that after the term of Executive’s employment, this provision shall not apply to secrets, information, and processes that are then in the public domain (provided that Executive was not responsible, directly or indirectly, for such secrets, information, or processes entering the public domain without the Bank’s consent).

(b)   Executive hereby sells, transfers, and assigns to the Bank all of the entire right, title, and interest of Executive in and to all inventions, ideas, disclosures, and improvements, whether patented or unpatented, and copyrightable material, to the extent made or conceived by Executive, solely or jointly, during the term of this Agreement, except to the extent prohibited by Section 2870 of the California Labor Code, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A.  Executive shall communicate promptly and disclose to the Bank, in such form as the Bank requests, all information, details, and data pertaining to the aforementioned inventions, ideas, disclosures, and improvements; and, whether during the term hereof or thereafter, Executive shall execute and deliver to the Bank such formal transfers and assignments and such other papers and documents as may be required of Executive to permit the Bank to file and prosecute any patent applications relating to such inventions, ideas, disclosures, and improvements and, as to copyrightable material, to obtain copyright thereon.

(c)   Trade secrets, proprietary information, and processes shall not be deemed to include information which is:

(i)   known to Executive at the time of the disclosure;

(ii)   publicly known (or becomes publicly known) without the fault or negligence of Executive;

(iii)   received from a third party without restriction and without breach of this Agreement;

(iv)   approved for release by written authorization of the Bank; or

(v)   required to be disclosed by law; provided, however, that in the event of a proposed disclosure pursuant to this subsection 12(c)(v), the recipient shall give the Bank prior written notice before such disclosure is made.

(d)   Executive agrees that in the event that Executive’s employment terminates for any reason, Executive shall promptly deliver to the Bank all property belonging to the Bank, including all documents and materials of any nature pertaining to Executive’s employment with the Bank.

 
 

 
13.    Employment Taxes .  All payments made pursuant to this Agreement shall be subject to withholding of applicable taxes.

14.    Successors .

(a)    Bank’s Successors .  The Bank shall require any successor to all or substantially all of the Bank’s business and/or assets and liabilities (whether by purchase, merger, consolidation, reorganization, liquidation or otherwise) to assume and expressly agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent as the Bank would be required to perform if there were no succession.  The Bank’s failure to obtain an assumption agreement in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Executive by the effective date of such succession shall constitute a breach of the Bank’s obligations to Executive under this Agreement as of the effective date of such succession and shall entitle Executive to all of the payments and other benefits described in Section 8(b) hereof.

(b)    Executive’s Successors .  This Agreement and all rights of the Executive hereunder shall inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by, Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees, it being agreed by Executive that Executive cannot assign or make subject to an option any of Executive’s rights, including rights to payments and benefits, under this Agreement

15.    Notices .  Any notice required or permitted to be given under this Agreement shall be sufficient if in writing and sent by registered mail to Executive at Executive’s residence maintained on the Bank’s records, or to the Bank at its executive offices, or such other addresses as either party shall notify the other in accordance with the above procedure.

16.    Force Majeure .  Neither party shall be liable to the other for any delay or failure to perform hereunder, which delay or failure is due to causes beyond the control of said party, including, but not limited to:  acts of God; acts of the public enemy; acts of the United States of America, or any State, territory, or political subdivision thereto or of the District of Columbia; fires; floods; epidemics; quarantine restrictions; strikes; or freight embargoes.  Notwithstanding, the foregoing provisions of this Section 16, in every case the delay or failure to perform must be beyond the control and without the fault or negligence of the party claiming excusable delay.

17.    Integration .  This Agreement and any attachments, schedules, and exhibits hereto represent the entire agreement and understanding between the parties as to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior or contemporaneous agreements, whether written or oral regarding Executive’s employment at the Bank and all rights, privileges and benefits related thereto.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Executive acknowledges and agrees that effective on the Commencement Date, the terms and conditions of this Agreement will supplant any different terms and conditions that previously existed or governed Executive’s employment with the Bank.  No waiver, alteration, or modification of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be binding unless in writing and signed by duly authorized representatives of the parties hereto.

18.    Waiver .  Failure or delay on the part of either party hereto to enforce any right, power, or privilege hereunder shall not be deemed to constitute a waiver thereof.  Additionally, a waiver by either party of a breach of any promise hereof by the other party shall not operate as or be construed to constitute a waiver of any subsequent waiver by such other party.

 
 

 
19.    Savings Clause .  If any term, covenant, or condition of this Agreement or the application thereof to any person or circumstance shall to any extent be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement, or the application of such term, covenant, or condition to persons or circumstances other than those as to which it is held invalid or unenforceable, shall not be affected thereby and each term, covenant, or condition of this Agreement shall be valid and enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law.

20.    Authority to Contract .  The Bank warrants and represents that it has full authority to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and that this Agreement is not in conflict with any other agreement to which the Bank is a party or by which it may be bound.  The Bank further warrants and represents that the individuals executing this Agreement on behalf of the Bank have the full power and authority to bind the Bank to the terms hereof and have been authorized to do so in accordance with the Bank’s corporate organization.

21.    Dispute Resolution .

(a)   Any controversy or claim between Bank and Executive arising from or relating to this Agreement or any agreement or instrument delivered under or in connection with this Agreement, including any alleged dispute, breach, default, or misrepresentation in connection with any of the provisions of this Agreement, shall, at the option of Executive or Bank, be submitted to arbitration, using either the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) or Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services, Inc. (“JAMS”)  in accordance with the rules of either JAMS or AAA (at the option of the party initiating the arbitration) and Title 9 of the U.S. Code.  All statutes of limitations or any waivers contained herein which would otherwise be applicable shall apply to any arbitration proceeding under this Section 21(a).  The parties agree that related arbitration proceedings may be consolidated.  The arbitrator shall prepare written reasons for the award.  Judgment upon the award rendered may be entered in any court having jurisdiction.

(b)   No provision of, or the exercise of any rights under, Section 21(a) hereof shall limit the right of any party to exercise self help remedies or to obtain provisional or ancillary remedies, such as injunctive relief from a court having jurisdiction before, during or after the pendency of any arbitration.  The institution and maintenance of an action for judicial relief or pursuit of provisional or ancillary remedies or exercise of self help remedies shall not constitute a waiver of the right of any party, including the plaintiff, to submit the controversy or claim to arbitration.

(c)   If any arbitration, legal action or other proceeding is brought for the enforcement of this Agreement or any agreement or instrument delivered under or in connection with this Agreement, or because of an alleged dispute, breach, default, or misrepresentation in connection with any of the provisions of this Agreement, the successful or prevailing party or parties shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorneys’ fees and other costs incurred in that action or proceeding, in addition to any other relief to which it or they may be entitled.

22.    Remedies .  In the event of a breach by Executive of Sections 10 or 12 of this Agreement,  in addition to other remedies provided by applicable law, the Bank will be entitled to issuance of a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction enforcing its rights under such Sections.

23.    Governing Law .  This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California.

 
 

 
24.    Counterparts .  This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

25.    Advice of Counsel .  Before signing this Agreement, Executive either (i) consulted with and obtained advice from Executive’s independent legal counsel in respect to the legal nature and operation of this Agreement, including its impact on executive’s rights, privileges and obligations, or (ii) freely and voluntarily decided not to have the benefit of such consultation and advice with legal counsel.

26.   Prohibition Against Changes to Time and Form of Payment .  Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the payment date(s) and form(s) of payment for benefits payable at a specific time, upon the occurrence of a specified event, or in a specified form may not be changed unless such change is permitted under this Agreement, Section 409A, and other applicable law.

27.   Unfunded Arrangement . The Executive and his beneficiary(ies) are general unsecured creditors of the Bank for the payment of deferred compensation benefits under this Agreement. The benefits represent a promise to pay by the Bank.  The rights to these benefits are not subject in any manner to anticipation, alienation, sale, transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance, attachment, or garnishment by creditors.

The deferred compensation benefits provided under this Agreement are intended to constitute an unfunded arrangement maintained by the Bank primarily for the purpose of providing deferred compensation for a member of a select group of management or highly compensated employees, as described in sections 201(2), 301(a)(3) and 401(a)(1) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).  This Agreement shall at all times be construed and interpreted consistently with ERISA to be such an arrangement and consistently with the requirements of Section 409A, as amended from time to time.

28. Non-Solicitation .  Following termination of this Agreement and the Executive’s employment and for a period of twelve (12) months thereafter, the Executive shall not solicit, encourage or assist, directly, indirectly or in any other manner whatsoever, (i) any employees of the Bank or First Northern Community Bancorp, or their affiliates and subsidiaries such employment within a twelve (12) month period prior to the Executive’s termination of employment with the Bank or First Northern Community Bancorp to resign or to apply for or accept employment with any other competitive banking or financial services businesses within the counties in California in which the Bank has located its headquarters, branch offices or other facilities; or (ii) any customer, person or entity that has a business relationship with the Bank, or during the twelve (12) month period prior to the Executive’s termination of employment was engaged in a business relationship with the Bank, to terminate such business relationship and engage in a business relationship with any other competitive banking or financial services business within the counties in California in which the Bank has located its headquarters, branch offices or other facilities. Failure to comply with the foregoing provisions shall void this agreement, resulting in the forfeiture of severance payments and benefits coverage.

29.   Delay or Forfeiture of Benefits Payable Following Regulatory Action .
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan or any Participation Agreement to the contrary, the payment of any Executive Benefit shall be delayed or the Executive Benefit shall be forfeited on or after the occurrence of or as a result of any of the following events:
 
(a).      Temporary Suspension or Prohibition .  If a Participant is suspended and/or temporarily prohibited from participating in the conduct of the Bank’s affairs by a notice served under Section 8(e)(3) or (g)(1) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (“FDIA”), 12 U.S.C.  § 1818(e)(3) and (g)(1), no Executive Benefit shall be paid to that Participant.  If the charges in the notice are dismissed, any Executive Benefit that would have been payable during the suspension or temporary prohibition shall be paid as soon as reasonably practicable, in accordance with the Plan.
 
 
 

 
(b).      Permanent Suspension or Prohibition .  If a Participant is removed and/or permanently prohibited from participating in the conduct of the Bank’s affairs by an order issued under Section 8(e)(4) or (g)(1) of the FDIA, 12 U.S.C. § 1818(e)(4) and (g)(1), the Executive Benefit payable to the Participant (or which may become payable to the Participant in the future) and all rights under the Plan shall be immediately forfeited and the Participant shall not be entitled to the Executive Benefit.
 
(c).      Default .  If the Bank is in default (as defined in Section 3(x)(1) of the FDIA), the Executive Benefit payable to all Participants (or which may become payable to Participants in the future) and all rights under the Plan shall be immediately forfeited and the Participants shall not be entitled to the Executive Benefit.  In this event, the Plan shall terminate as of the date of default.
 
(d).      Termination by Regulators . The Executive Benefit payable to all Participants (or which may become payable to Participants in the future) and all rights under the Plan shall be forfeited, except to the extent determined that continuation of this Plan is necessary for the continued operation of the Bank: (i) at the time the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) enters into an agreement to provide assistance to or on behalf of the Bank under the authority contained in Section 13(c) of the FDIA; or (ii) by the FDIC, at the time it approves a supervisory merger to resolve problems related to the operation of the Bank.
 
In addition, the payment of any and all Executive Benefits under this Plan shall be subject to and conditioned upon compliance with 12 U.S.C. Section 1828(k) and any regulations promulgated thereunder, and any Executive Benefits and rights under the Plan shall be forfeited to the extent barred or prohibited by an action or order issued by the California Department of Financial Institutions, the FDIC, or any government agency which has jurisdiction over the Bank.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF,  the parties hereto have executed this Agreement effective as of the day herein first above written.




FIRST NORTHERN BANK OF DIXON


_________________________
Louise A. Walker,
President & Chief Executive Officer



EXECUTIVE


_________________________
Jeremiah Z. Smith,
Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

 
 

 
Exhibit A  -  California Labor Code Section 2870


EXHIBIT A


CALIFORNIA LABOR CODE SECTION 2870


Section 2870.  Application of provision providing that employee shall assign or offer to assign rights in invention to employer.

(a)         Any provision in an employment agreement which provides that an employee shall assign, or offer to assign, any of his or her rights in an invention to his or her employer shall not apply to an invention that the employee developed entirely on his or her own time without using the employer’s equipment, supplies, facilities, or trade secret information except for those inventions that either;

(i)         Relate at the time of conception or reduction to practice of the invention to the employer’s business, or actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development of the employer.

(ii)         Result from any work performed by the employee for the employer.

(b)         To the extent a provision in an employment agreement purports to require an employee to assign an invention otherwise excluded from being required to be assigned under subdivision (a), the provision is against the public policy of this state and is unenforceable.
EXHIBIT 10.3

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

This Employment Agreement (this “Agreement”) is entered into as of May 15, 2012 by and between FIRST NORTHERN BANK OF DIXON, a California banking corporation (the “Bank”), and Patrick S. Day (the “Executive”).

RECITAL:

The parties desire to set forth the terms of Executive’s employment with the Bank.

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto agree as follows:

1.    Employment .  The Bank hereby employs Executive and Executive hereby accepts employment during the Term of Employment upon the terms and conditions herein set forth.

2.    Term of Employment .  The Bank agrees to continue Executive’s employment, and Executive agrees to remain in employment with the Bank, from May 15,  2012 (the “Commencement Date”) until the earliest of (i) December 31, 2012  or (ii) the date on which Executive’s employment  with the Bank terminates pursuant to Section 7(a), (b), (c), (d), (e) or (f), as applicable (the “Term of Employment”), provided that the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the Term of Employment shall automatically extend for consecutive  one year periods, on and after December 31, 2012, unless either Executive or the Bank notifies the other in writing at least  sixty days  before the end of the then current term that, for any reason, the Executive or the Bank has elected not to extend the term.

3.    Duties .  Executive is employed as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank and, under the direction of the  Board of Directors, shall perform and discharge well and faithfully the duties that may be assigned from time to time by  the Board of Directors in connection with the conduct of the Bank’s business.

4.    Extent of Services .  Executive shall devote Executive’s entire business time, attention, and energies to the business of the Bank during the term of Executive’s employment with the Bank.  The foregoing however, shall not preclude Executive from engaging in appropriate civic, charitable, or religious activities or from devoting a reasonable amount of time to private investments or from serving on boards of directors of other entities, as long as such activities and services do not interfere or conflict with responsibilities to the Bank.

5.    Compensation .

(a)    Salary .  During the Term of Employment, the Bank shall pay Executive a base salary at the annual rate of  $170,000.00  payable in accordance with the standard payroll procedures of the Bank but not less than one time monthly.  Executive’s base salary shall be adjusted annually effective on January 1 of each year to reflect such changes as the Board of Directors  of the Bank determines appropriate, based on Executive’s performance for the most recent performance period.

(b)    Incentive Programs .  During the Term of Employment, Executive shall be entitled to participate in any annual and long-term incentive programs adopted by the Bank and which cover employees in positions comparable to that of Executive.

 
 

 
(c)    Expenses .  Executive shall be entitled to prompt reimbursement of all reasonable business expenses incurred in the performance of Executive’s duties during the Term of Employment, subject to the presentment of appropriate vouchers and receipts in accordance with the Bank’s policies.

6.    Employee Benefits .  During the Term of Employment, Executive shall be entitled to participate in employee benefit plans or programs of the Bank, if any, to the extent that the Executive’s position, tenure, salary, age, health, and other qualifications make Executive eligible to participate, subject to the rules and regulations applicable thereto.

7.    Termination .  Notwithstanding the provisions of Sections 2 hereof, the Term of Employment and Executive’s employment hereunder may be terminated without any breach of this Agreement under the following circumstances:

(a)    Death .  The Term of Employment shall terminate upon Executive’s death.

(b)    Disability .  The Term of Employment shall terminate three (3) months after the Bank gives Executive written notice that it intends to terminate executive’s employment on account of Disability or on such later date as the Bank specifies in such notice.  If Executive resumes the performance of substantially all duties under this Agreement before the termination becomes effective, the notice of intent to terminate shall be deemed to have been revoked.

(c)    Voluntary Termination .  Executive may terminate employment with the Bank at any time by giving the Bank three (3) months’ written notice thereof.  The Term of Employment shall end on the earlier of the last day of the notice period or the last day on which Executive performs services for the Bank.

(d)    Termination for Good Reason .  Executive may terminate employment with the Bank for Good Reason by giving the Bank thirty (30) days’ notice of its alleged breach, including the basis upon which Executive believes the alleged breach constitutes Good Reason and a statement of the Executive’s intent to terminate employment on such basis.  If the Bank cures its breach within the thirty (30) day period following receipt of such notice, Executive shall either rescind Executive’s notice of intent to terminate and continue employment, or terminate employment under Section 8 (c) hereof in which case the Executive’s notice of breach hereunder shall be deemed to satisfy the notice requirement provided for under Section 8 (c) hereof.  If the Bank fails to cure its breach within the thirty (30) day period following receipt of such notice or Executive decides to terminate employment as provided in the final clause of Section 8 (c) hereof, the Term of Employment shall end on the last day of the 30-day period following receipt of such notice.

(e)    Involuntary Termination .  Executive acknowledges and agrees that Executive’s employment is at will.  The Bank reserves the right to terminate Executive’s employment at any time whatsoever with or without cause by giving thirty (30) days’ written notice to Executive thereof.  The Term of Employment shall terminate on the last day of the notice period, but the Bank may require Executive to cease performing services at any time after such notice is given.

(f)    Involuntary Termination for Cause .  The Bank reserves the right to terminate Executive’s employment for Cause.  The Bank shall give Executive written notice of the termination and the reasons therefore.  The Term of Employment shall terminate immediately upon receipt of the notice.

 
 

 
8.    Benefits on Termination of Employment .  If Executive’s employment is terminated during the Term of Employment, the Executive shall be entitled to receive payments and benefits as follows:

(a)    Death; Disability; Voluntary Termination .

(i)   If employment is terminated under Section 7(a), (b), (c), or (f) hereof, Executive shall receive:

(1)   base salary through the date the Term of Employment ends,

(2)   any incentive compensation earned but not yet paid (no incentive compensation will be payable on voluntary termination).

(3)   whatever rights may be specified in Stock Option Agreements with the Executive executed pursuant to the First Northern Community Bancorp Stock Option Plan,

(4)   whatever rights may be specified in Salary Continuation Agreement with the Executive executed pursuant to the First Northern Bank of Dixon Salary Continuation Agreement/Split Dollar Agreements, and

(5)  reimbursement of expenses incurred under Section 5(c) hereof but not yet reimbursed.

(ii)   Except as provided in this Section 8(a) or required by law, all of Executive’s employee benefits and compensation shall cease on the last day on which the Executive performs services as an employee of the Bank.

(b)    Change of Control .

(i)   If, within two years following a Change of Control, Executive’s employment is terminated under the provisions of Section 7(d) or (e) hereof or as a result of the Bank’s election not to extend this Agreement and the Term of Employment pursuant to Section 2 hereof, Executive shall receive:

(1)   200% of the sum of (i) Executive’s annual base salary under Section 5(a) hereof as in effect on the date the Term of Employment ends and (ii) the average of the annual bonuses awarded to Executive by the Bank for the most recent three consecutive years prior to the date the Term of Employment ends,

(2)   any incentive compensation earned but not yet paid, and

(3)   any expenses incurred under Section 5(c) hereof but not yet reimbursed.

(4)   outplacement assistance.

(ii)      The payment to which Executive is entitled pursuant to Section 8(b)(i)(1) shall be paid in a single installment within forty-five (45) days of termination with no percent value or other discount.

(iii)                 Upon Termination of Employment within two years following a Change of Control, Executive (and, where applicable, Executive’s dependents) shall be entitled to continuation coverage (as provided in the plans in accordance with the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 and California's Cal-COBRA provisions) under the group insurance plans maintained by the Bank, including life, disability and health insurance programs, for up to thirty-six (36) months, subject to the terms, conditions and limitations set forth in such plans.  For a period up to the first twenty-four (24) months of continuation coverage, the Bank shall pay the same portion of group insurance premiums for the Executive’s continued coverage as is paid for other executives who are current employees.  If the Executive becomes eligible for comparable group insurance coverage in connection with new employment, the Bank shall no longer be responsible for the cost of continuation coverage.  Beginning with the twenty-fifth (25th) month of continuation coverage, coverage may be continued at the Executive's own expense.

 
 

 
(iv)                 Delayed Payments to Specified Employees.  If the Executive is a Specified Employee (as defined in section 10(f)) as of the date of Termination of Employment, benefit payments under this subsection shall be delayed and shall not begin prior to the date that is six months after Termination of Employment (or, if earlier than the end of the six-month period, the date of death of the Executive).  Payments to which the Executive would otherwise be entitled during the first six months following Termination of Employment, but for this provision, shall be accumulated and paid on the first day of the seventh month following Termination of Employment.


(v)   Except as provided in this Section 8(b) or required by law, all of Executive’s employee benefits and compensation shall cease on the last day on which he performs services as an employee of the Bank.

(vi)   Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment or benefit contemplated by this Section 8(b) (whether by seeking new employment or otherwise) and no such payment or benefit shall be reduced by earnings that Executive may receive from any other source.

(vii)   In the event of a Change in Control of the Bank during the period Executive remains in Service, all shares of restricted stock and stock options which are unvested as of the effective date of such Change in Control shall immediately become vested.  For the purposes hereof, a “Change in Control” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(b) of the First Northern Community Bancorp 2006 Stock Option Plan.

(viii)   If employment is terminated due to a Change in Control of the Bank the Executive shall receive whatever rights may be specified pursuant to the First Northern Bank of Dixon Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan.

(c)    Involuntary Termination; Termination for Good Reason .

(i)   If Executive’s employment is terminated under the provisions of Section 7(d) or (e) hereof and such termination is not within two years following a Change of Control, Executive shall receive:

(1)  
 100% of the sum of (i) Executive’s annual base salary under Section 5(a) as in effect on the date the Term of Employment ends; and (ii) the average of the annual bonuses awarded to the Executive by the Bank for the three most recent consecutive years prior to the date the Term of Employment ends.  The payment shall be made by the Bank in a single installment within forty-five (45) days of termination with no percent value or other discount.

(2)   any incentive compensation earned but not yet paid,

 
 

 
(3)   whatever rights may be specified in Stock Option Agreements with the Executive  executed pursuant to the First Northern Community Bancorp Stock Option Plan.  It being understood that the definition of Change of Control set forth in such Stock Option Agreement may differ from that set forth herein,

(4)   whatever rights may be specified in Salary Continuation Agreement with the Executive executed pursuant to the First Northern Bank of Dixon Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan, and

(5)   reimbursement of expenses incurred under Section 5(c) hereof but not yet reimbursed.

(ii)      Upon Termination of Employment under Section 7(d) or (e), Executive (and, where applicable, Executive’s dependents) shall be entitled to continuation coverage (as provided in the plans in accordance with the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 and California's Cal-COBRA provisions) under the group insurance plans maintained by the Bank, including life, disability and health insurance programs, for up to thirty-six (36) months, subject to the terms, conditions and limitations set forth in such plans.  During the first eighteen (18) months of continuation coverage, the Bank shall pay the same portion of group insurance premiums for the Executive’s continued coverage as is paid for other executives who are current employees.  If the Executive becomes eligible for comparable group insurance coverage in connection with new employment, the Bank shall no longer be responsible for the cost of continuation coverage.  Beginning with the nineteenth (19th) month of continuation coverage, coverage may be continued at the Executive's own expense.


(iii)   Except as provided in this Section 8(c) or required by law, all of Executive’s employee benefits and compensation shall cease on the last day on which Executive performs services as an employee of the Bank.

(iv)   Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment or benefit contemplated by this Section 8(c) (whether by seeking new employment or otherwise) and no such payment or benefit shall be reduced by earnings that Executive may receive from any other source.

(v)      Delayed Payments to Specified Employees.  If the Executive is a Specified Employee (as defined in section 10(f)) as of the date of Termination of Employment, benefit payments under this section shall be delayed and shall not begin prior to the date that is six months after Termination of Employment (or, if earlier than the end of the six-month period, the date of death of the Executive).  Payments to which the Executive would otherwise be entitled during the first six months following Termination of Employment, but for this provision, shall be accumulated and paid on the first day of the seventh month following Termination of Employment.

 
9.    Excess Parachute Payments.   Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, in the event it shall be determined that any payment or distribution by the Bank or otherwise to or for the benefit of the Executive would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Code Section 4999 or any interest or penalties are incurred by the Executive with respect to such excise tax (collectively referred to as the “Excise Tax”), then no additional amounts shall be payable by the Bank to the Executive (i.e., no “Gross-Up Payment” shall be made) and the Executive shall be responsible for the Excise Tax.

 
 

 
 
(a)  If Excise Tax is imposed as described above and the Excise Tax can be avoided or eliminated by reducing any amounts payable to the Executive under this Agreement by 20% or less, then the amounts payable to the Executive shall be reduced by the amount necessary to avoid or eliminate the Excise Tax.

10.   Definition of Terms .  The following terms used in this Agreement when capitalized have the following meanings:

(a)   “ Board of Directors ”  means the Bank’s board of directors.

(b)   “ Cause ”  means that Executive has:

(i)   willfully breached or habitually neglected or breached the duties which the Executive was required to perform under the terms of this Agreement or the policies of the Bank or

(ii)   committed act(s) of dishonesty, theft, embezzlement, fraud, misrepresentation, or other act(s) of moral turpitude against the Bank, its subsidiaries or affiliates, its shareholders, or its employees or which adversely impact the interest of the Bank.

 
(c)
"Change of Control" means the occurrence of any of the following events with respect to the Bank or its parent holding Company, First Northern Community Bancorp (“Bancorp”):

 
(i)
Merger : A merger into or consolidation with another corporation, or merger of another corporation into Bank or Bancorp, and as a result less than 50% of the combined voting power of the resulting corporation immediately after the merger or consolidation is held by persons who were stockholders of Bank or Bancorp immediately before the merger or consolidation;

 
(ii)
Acquisition of Significant Share Ownership :  One person, or more than one person acting as a group, acquires (or has acquired during the twelve (12) month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) ownership of stock possessing thirty percent (30%) or more of the total voting power of the stock of Bank or Bancorp (this constitutes acquisition of “Effective Control”).  No Change of Control shall occur if additional voting shares are acquired by a person or persons who possessed Effective Control prior to acquiring additional shares.  This subpart (b) shall not apply to beneficial ownership of voting shares held in a fiduciary capacity by an entity of which Bank or Bancorp directly or indirectly beneficially owns 50% or more of the outstanding voting securities, or voting shares held by an employee benefit plan maintained for the benefit of the Bank’s employees.

 
(iii)
Change in Board Composition :  A majority of the members of the Board of Directors of Bank or Bancorp is replaced during any 12-month period by directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Board of Directors of Bank or Bancorp before the date of the appointment or election.  This subparagraph shall only apply with respect to Bancorp if no other corporation is a majority shareholder of Bancorp.

 
 

 
A Change of Control shall only occur with respect to Bancorp if Bancorp (i) is a majority shareholder of the Bank; (ii) is a majority shareholder of any corporation in a chain of corporations in which each corporation is a majority shareholder of another corporation in the chain, ending in the Bank; or (iii) is otherwise a "Relevant Corporation" as that term is used and defined in Section 409A.  For purposes of this section, majority shareholder means a shareholder owning more than 50% of the total fair market value and total voting power of the Bank, Bancorp, or a corporation in the chain referenced above.  No Change of Control shall occur unless the event constitutes a "Change in the Ownership of a Corporation" or a "Change in the Effective Control of a Corporation" as defined under Section 409A.


(d)  “Disability”  means Executive (i) is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months; or (ii) is, by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than 3 months under an accident and health plan covering Bank employees.

(e)   “ Good Reason ”  means any of (i) a material reduction in Executive’s compensation under Section 5 hereof or benefits under Section 7 hereof, (ii) a material reduction in the Executive’s title or responsibilities, (iii) a relocation of Executive’s principal office so that Executive’s one-way commute distance from Executive’s residence is increased by more than forty (40) miles or (iv) failure of the Bank’s successor to assume and perform this Agreement as contemplated by Section 14(a) hereof.

(f)  “Specified Employee” – If the Executive is a Key Employee (defined below) of the Bank or any entity that is aggregated with the Bank under Code section 414(b) or (c) as of December 31 st of any year (the “Determination Date”), and the Bank (or any entity that is aggregated with the Bank under Code section 414(b) or (c)) has stock that is publicly traded on an established securities market or otherwise, the Executive shall be treated as a Specified Employee during the 12-month period beginning on the April 1 st following the Determination Date.  An Executive is a Key Employee as of a Determination Date if the Executive meets the requirements of Code section 416(i)(1)(A)(i), (ii), or (iii) (applied in accordance with the regulations thereunder and disregarding section 416(i)(5)) at any time during the twelve months preceding the Determination Date.

(g)  "Termination of Employment" means that the Executive shall have ceased to be employed by the Bank for any reason whatsoever and that the Executive actually separates from service with the Bank and does not continue in his or her prior capacity.  Termination of employment does not include the Executive’s military leave, sick leave or other bona fide leave of absence (such as temporary employment with the government) if the period of leave does not exceed six months, or if longer, so long as the Executive’s right to reemployment with the Bank is provided either in contract or statute.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, the terms "termination of employment," "terminates employment" and "employment termination" shall be interpreted consistently with Section 409A.


11.    Locations of Performance .  Executive’s services shall be performed primarily within the counties in California in which the Bank has located its headquarters, branch offices or other facilities .  The parties acknowledge, however, that Executive may be required to travel in connection with the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder.

 
 

 
12.    Proprietary Information .

(a)   Executive agrees to comply fully with the Bank’s policies relating to non-disclosure of the Bank’s trade secrets and proprietary information and processes, including information regarding the Bank’s customers and prospective customers.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Executive will not, during the term of Executive’s employment by the Bank, disclose any such secrets, information, or processes to any person, firm, corporation, association, or other entity for any reason or purpose whatsoever, nor shall Executive make use of any such property for Executive’s own purposes or for the benefit of any person, firm, corporation, or other entity (except the Bank) under any circumstances during or after the term of Executive’s employment, provided that after the term of Executive’s employment, this provision shall not apply to secrets, information, and processes that are then in the public domain (provided that Executive was not responsible, directly or indirectly, for such secrets, information, or processes entering the public domain without the Bank’s consent).

(b)   Executive hereby sells, transfers, and assigns to the Bank all of the entire right, title, and interest of Executive in and to all inventions, ideas, disclosures, and improvements, whether patented or unpatented, and copyrightable material, to the extent made or conceived by Executive, solely or jointly, during the term of this Agreement, except to the extent prohibited by Section 2870 of the California Labor Code, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A.  Executive shall communicate promptly and disclose to the Bank, in such form as the Bank requests, all information, details, and data pertaining to the aforementioned inventions, ideas, disclosures, and improvements; and, whether during the term hereof or thereafter, Executive shall execute and deliver to the Bank such formal transfers and assignments and such other papers and documents as may be required of Executive to permit the Bank to file and prosecute any patent applications relating to such inventions, ideas, disclosures, and improvements and, as to copyrightable material, to obtain copyright thereon.

(c)   Trade secrets, proprietary information, and processes shall not be deemed to include information which is:

(i)   known to Executive at the time of the disclosure;

(ii)   publicly known (or becomes publicly known) without the fault or negligence of Executive;

(iii)   received from a third party without restriction and without breach of this Agreement;

(iv)   approved for release by written authorization of the Bank; or

(v)   required to be disclosed by law; provided, however, that in the event of a proposed disclosure pursuant to this subsection 12(c)(v), the recipient shall give the Bank prior written notice before such disclosure is made.

(d)   Executive agrees that in the event that Executive’s employment terminates for any reason, Executive shall promptly deliver to the Bank all property belonging to the Bank, including all documents and materials of any nature pertaining to Executive’s employment with the Bank.

 
 

 
13.    Employment Taxes .  All payments made pursuant to this Agreement shall be subject to withholding of applicable taxes.

14.    Successors .

(a)    Bank’s Successors .  The Bank shall require any successor to all or substantially all of the Bank’s business and/or assets and liabilities (whether by purchase, merger, consolidation, reorganization, liquidation or otherwise) to assume and expressly agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent as the Bank would be required to perform if there were no succession.  The Bank’s failure to obtain an assumption agreement in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Executive by the effective date of such succession shall constitute a breach of the Bank’s obligations to Executive under this Agreement as of the effective date of such succession and shall entitle Executive to all of the payments and other benefits described in Section 8(b) hereof.

(b)    Executive’s Successors .  This Agreement and all rights of the Executive hereunder shall inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by, Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees, it being agreed by Executive that Executive cannot assign or make subject to an option any of Executive’s rights, including rights to payments and benefits, under this Agreement

15.    Notices .  Any notice required or permitted to be given under this Agreement shall be sufficient if in writing and sent by registered mail to Executive at Executive’s residence maintained on the Bank’s records, or to the Bank at its executive offices, or such other addresses as either party shall notify the other in accordance with the above procedure.

16.    Force Majeure .  Neither party shall be liable to the other for any delay or failure to perform hereunder, which delay or failure is due to causes beyond the control of said party, including, but not limited to:  acts of God; acts of the public enemy; acts of the United States of America, or any State, territory, or political subdivision thereto or of the District of Columbia; fires; floods; epidemics; quarantine restrictions; strikes; or freight embargoes.  Notwithstanding, the foregoing provisions of this Section 16, in every case the delay or failure to perform must be beyond the control and without the fault or negligence of the party claiming excusable delay.

17.    Integration .  This Agreement and any attachments, schedules, and exhibits hereto represent the entire agreement and understanding between the parties as to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior or contemporaneous agreements, whether written or oral regarding Executive’s employment at the Bank and all rights, privileges and benefits related thereto.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Executive acknowledges and agrees that effective on the Commencement Date, the terms and conditions of this Agreement will supplant any different terms and conditions that previously existed or governed Executive’s employment with the Bank.  No waiver, alteration, or modification of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be binding unless in writing and signed by duly authorized representatives of the parties hereto.

18.    Waiver .  Failure or delay on the part of either party hereto to enforce any right, power, or privilege hereunder shall not be deemed to constitute a waiver thereof.  Additionally, a waiver by either party of a breach of any promise hereof by the other party shall not operate as or be construed to constitute a waiver of any subsequent waiver by such other party.

 
 

 
19.    Savings Clause .  If any term, covenant, or condition of this Agreement or the application thereof to any person or circumstance shall to any extent be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement, or the application of such term, covenant, or condition to persons or circumstances other than those as to which it is held invalid or unenforceable, shall not be affected thereby and each term, covenant, or condition of this Agreement shall be valid and enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law.

20.    Authority to Contract .  The Bank warrants and represents that it has full authority to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and that this Agreement is not in conflict with any other agreement to which the Bank is a party or by which it may be bound.  The Bank further warrants and represents that the individuals executing this Agreement on behalf of the Bank have the full power and authority to bind the Bank to the terms hereof and have been authorized to do so in accordance with the Bank’s corporate organization.

21.    Dispute Resolution .

(a)   Any controversy or claim between Bank and Executive arising from or relating to this Agreement or any agreement or instrument delivered under or in connection with this Agreement, including any alleged dispute, breach, default, or misrepresentation in connection with any of the provisions of this Agreement, shall, at the option of Executive or Bank, be submitted to arbitration, using either the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) or Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services, Inc. (“JAMS”)  in accordance with the rules of either JAMS or AAA (at the option of the party initiating the arbitration) and Title 9 of the U.S. Code.  All statutes of limitations or any waivers contained herein which would otherwise be applicable shall apply to any arbitration proceeding under this Section 21(a).  The parties agree that related arbitration proceedings may be consolidated.  The arbitrator shall prepare written reasons for the award.  Judgment upon the award rendered may be entered in any court having jurisdiction.

(b)   No provision of, or the exercise of any rights under, Section 21(a) hereof shall limit the right of any party to exercise self help remedies or to obtain provisional or ancillary remedies, such as injunctive relief from a court having jurisdiction before, during or after the pendency of any arbitration.  The institution and maintenance of an action for judicial relief or pursuit of provisional or ancillary remedies or exercise of self help remedies shall not constitute a waiver of the right of any party, including the plaintiff, to submit the controversy or claim to arbitration.

(c)   If any arbitration, legal action or other proceeding is brought for the enforcement of this Agreement or any agreement or instrument delivered under or in connection with this Agreement, or because of an alleged dispute, breach, default, or misrepresentation in connection with any of the provisions of this Agreement, the successful or prevailing party or parties shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorneys’ fees and other costs incurred in that action or proceeding, in addition to any other relief to which it or they may be entitled.

22.    Remedies .  In the event of a breach by Executive of Sections 10 or 12 of this Agreement,  in addition to other remedies provided by applicable law, the Bank will be entitled to issuance of a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction enforcing its rights under such Sections.

23.    Governing Law .  This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California.

 
 

 
24.    Counterparts .  This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

25.    Advice of Counsel .  Before signing this Agreement, Executive either (i) consulted with and obtained advice from Executive’s independent legal counsel in respect to the legal nature and operation of this Agreement, including its impact on executive’s rights, privileges and obligations, or (ii) freely and voluntarily decided not to have the benefit of such consultation and advice with legal counsel.

26.   Prohibition Against Changes to Time and Form of Payment .  Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the payment date(s) and form(s) of payment for benefits payable at a specific time, upon the occurrence of a specified event, or in a specified form may not be changed unless such change is permitted under this Agreement, Section 409A, and other applicable law.

27.   Unfunded Arrangement . The Executive and his beneficiary(ies) are general unsecured creditors of the Bank for the payment of deferred compensation benefits under this Agreement. The benefits represent a promise to pay by the Bank.  The rights to these benefits are not subject in any manner to anticipation, alienation, sale, transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance, attachment, or garnishment by creditors.

The deferred compensation benefits provided under this Agreement are intended to constitute an unfunded arrangement maintained by the Bank primarily for the purpose of providing deferred compensation for a member of a select group of management or highly compensated employees, as described in sections 201(2), 301(a)(3) and 401(a)(1) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).  This Agreement shall at all times be construed and interpreted consistently with ERISA to be such an arrangement and consistently with the requirements of Section 409A, as amended from time to time.

28. Non-Solicitation .  Following termination of this Agreement and the Executive’s employment and for a period of twelve (12) months thereafter, the Executive shall not solicit, encourage or assist, directly, indirectly or in any other manner whatsoever, (i) any employees of the Bank or First Northern Community Bancorp, or their affiliates and subsidiaries such employment within a twelve (12) month period prior to the Executive’s termination of employment with the Bank or First Northern Community Bancorp to resign or to apply for or accept employment with any other competitive banking or financial services businesses within the counties in California in which the Bank has located its headquarters, branch offices or other facilities; or (ii) any customer, person or entity that has a business relationship with the Bank, or during the twelve (12) month period prior to the Executive’s termination of employment was engaged in a business relationship with the Bank, to terminate such business relationship and engage in a business relationship with any other competitive banking or financial services business within the counties in California in which the Bank has located its headquarters, branch offices or other facilities. Failure to comply with the foregoing provisions shall void this agreement, resulting in the forfeiture of severance payments and benefits coverage.

29.   Delay or Forfeiture of Benefits Payable Following Regulatory Action .
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan or any Participation Agreement to the contrary, the payment of any Executive Benefit shall be delayed or the Executive Benefit shall be forfeited on or after the occurrence of or as a result of any of the following events:
 
(a).      Temporary Suspension or Prohibition .  If a Participant is suspended and/or temporarily prohibited from participating in the conduct of the Bank’s affairs by a notice served under Section 8(e)(3) or (g)(1) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (“FDIA”), 12 U.S.C.  § 1818(e)(3) and (g)(1), no Executive Benefit shall be paid to that Participant.  If the charges in the notice are dismissed, any Executive Benefit that would have been payable during the suspension or temporary prohibition shall be paid as soon as reasonably practicable, in accordance with the Plan.
 
 
 

 
(b).      Permanent Suspension or Prohibition .  If a Participant is removed and/or permanently prohibited from participating in the conduct of the Bank’s affairs by an order issued under Section 8(e)(4) or (g)(1) of the FDIA, 12 U.S.C. § 1818(e)(4) and (g)(1), the Executive Benefit payable to the Participant (or which may become payable to the Participant in the future) and all rights under the Plan shall be immediately forfeited and the Participant shall not be entitled to the Executive Benefit.
 
(c).      Default .  If the Bank is in default (as defined in Section 3(x)(1) of the FDIA), the Executive Benefit payable to all Participants (or which may become payable to Participants in the future) and all rights under the Plan shall be immediately forfeited and the Participants shall not be entitled to the Executive Benefit.  In this event, the Plan shall terminate as of the date of default.
 
(d).      Termination by Regulators . The Executive Benefit payable to all Participants (or which may become payable to Participants in the future) and all rights under the Plan shall be forfeited, except to the extent determined that continuation of this Plan is necessary for the continued operation of the Bank: (i) at the time the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) enters into an agreement to provide assistance to or on behalf of the Bank under the authority contained in Section 13(c) of the FDIA; or (ii) by the FDIC, at the time it approves a supervisory merger to resolve problems related to the operation of the Bank.
 
In addition, the payment of any and all Executive Benefits under this Plan shall be subject to and conditioned upon compliance with 12 U.S.C. Section 1828(k) and any regulations promulgated thereunder, and any Executive Benefits and rights under the Plan shall be forfeited to the extent barred or prohibited by an action or order issued by the California Department of Financial Institutions, the FDIC, or any government agency which has jurisdiction over the Bank.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF,  the parties hereto have executed this Agreement effective as of the day herein first above written.




FIRST NORTHERN BANK OF DIXON


_________________________
Louise A. Walker,
President & Chief Executive Officer



EXECUTIVE


_________________________
Patrick S. Day,
Executive Vice President & Chief Credit Officer

 
 

 
Exhibit A  -  California Labor Code Section 2870

EXHIBIT A


CALIFORNIA LABOR CODE SECTION 2870


Section 2870.  Application of provision providing that employee shall assign or offer to assign rights in invention to employer.

(a)         Any provision in an employment agreement which provides that an employee shall assign, or offer to assign, any of his or her rights in an invention to his or her employer shall not apply to an invention that the employee developed entirely on his or her own time without using the employer’s equipment, supplies, facilities, or trade secret information except for those inventions that either;

(i)         Relate at the time of conception or reduction to practice of the invention to the employer’s business, or actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development of the employer.

(ii)         Result from any work performed by the employee for the employer.

(b)         To the extent a provision in an employment agreement purports to require an employee to assign an invention otherwise excluded from being required to be assigned under subdivision (a), the provision is against the public policy of this state and is unenforceable.


 

EXHIBIT 31.1

Rule 13(a) – 14(a) / 15(d) – 14(a) Certification

I, Louise A. Walker, certify that:

1.           I have reviewed this report on Form 10-Q of First Northern Community Bancorp;

2.           Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;

3.           Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;

4.           The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and we have:

a)           designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;

b)           designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c)           evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report based on such evaluation; and

d)           disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting;

5.           The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

a)           all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)           any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

       
Date:
August 9, 2012
 
/s/  Louise A. Walker
       
     
Louise A. Walker, President and Chief Executive Officer


 
EXHIBIT 31.2
Rule 13(a) – 14(a) / 15(d) – 14(a) Certification

I, Jeremiah Z. Smith, certify that:

1.           I have reviewed this report on Form 10-Q of First Northern Community Bancorp;

2.           Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;

3.           Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;

4.           The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and we have:

a)           designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;

b)           designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c)           evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report based on such evaluation; and

d)           disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting;

5.           The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

a)           all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)           any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

       
Date:
August 9, 2012
 
/s/  Jeremiah Z. Smith
       
     
Jeremiah Z. Smith, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer


EXHIBIT 32.1


CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. § 1350

In connection with the filing of the Quarterly Report of First Northern Community Bancorp (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2012 (the “Report”), I, Louise A. Walker, the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge,

(i)        the Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and

(ii)        the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

       
Date:
August 9, 2012
 
/s/  Louise A. Walker
       
     
Louise A. Walker, President and Chief Executive Officer


EXHIBIT 32.2


CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. § 1350

In connection with the filing of the Quarterly Report of First Northern Community Bancorp (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2012 (the “Report”), I, Jeremiah Z. Smith, the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge,

(i)        the Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and

(ii)        the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

       
Date:
August 9, 2012
 
/s/  Jeremiah Z. Smith
       
     
Jeremiah Z. Smith, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer